N-CSRS 1 d393064dncsrs.htm AB HIGH INCOME FUND, INC. AB High Income Fund, Inc.

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-08188

 

 

AB HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Joseph J. Mantineo

AllianceBernstein L.P.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 221-5672

Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2017

Date of reporting period: April 30, 2017

 

 

 


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


APR    04.30.17

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB HIGH INCOME FUND

 

 

 

LOGO

 

LOGO


 

 

 
Investment Products Offered  

 Are Not FDIC Insured May Lose Value Are Not Bank Guaranteed

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.

The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.


 

FROM THE PRESIDENT    LOGO

Dear Shareholder,

We are pleased to provide this report for AB High Income Fund (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.

As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:

 

+   

Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope

 

+   

Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions

 

+   

Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas

Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.

AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.

For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.

Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Robert M. Keith

President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    1


 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

June 15, 2017

This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB High Income Fund for the semi-annual reporting period ended April 30, 2017.

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek to maximize total returns from price appreciation and income.

NAV RETURNS AS OF APRIL 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

     6 Months      12 Months  
AB HIGH INCOME FUND1      
Class A Shares      6.43%        13.08%  
Class B Shares2      6.08%        12.21%  
Class C Shares      6.08%        12.21%  
Advisor Class Shares3      6.55%        13.35%  
Class R Shares3      6.35%        12.64%  
Class K Shares3      6.39%        13.03%  
Class I Shares3      6.57%        13.38%  
Class Z Shares3      6.58%        13.41%  
Primary benchmark:4
Bloomberg Barclays Global High Yield Index (USD hedged)
     5.23%        12.94%  
Blended benchmark: 33% JPM EMBI Global / 33% JPM GBI-EM / 33% Bloomberg Barclays US Corporate HY 2% Issuer Capped Index      3.54%        9.21%  
JPM EMBI Global      2.65%        8.51%  
JPM GBI-EM      2.50%        5.48%  
Bloomberg Barclays US Corporate HY 2% Issuer Capped Index      5.30%        13.29%  

 

1 Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class-action settlements, which enhanced the performance of the Fund for the six- and 12-month periods ended April 30, 2017, by 0.01% and 0.01%, respectively. Also includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund in connection with a residual distribution relating to regulatory settlements, which enhanced the performance of all share classes of the Fund for the six- and 12-month periods ended April 30, 2017, by 0.00% and 0.01%, respectively.

 

2 Effective January 31, 2009, Class B shares are no longer available for sale to new investors. Please see Note A for additional information.

 

3 Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

4 The Fund’s broad-based index used for comparison purposes has changed from the JPM EMBI Global to the Bloomberg Barclays Global High Yield Index (USD hedged) because the new index more closely reflects the Fund’s investments.

 

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INVESTMENT RESULTS

The preceding table shows the Fund’s performance compared with its primary broad-based benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Global High Yield Index (US dollar hedged), which tracks the performance of non-investment grade fixed-income securities in the US and developed and emerging markets. It also shows the performance of its blended benchmark, which is composed of equal weightings of the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (“JPM EMBI Global”), the J.P. Morgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (“JPM GBI-EM”) (local currency-denominated) and the Bloomberg Barclays US Corporate High Yield (“HY”) 2% Issuer Capped Index, for the six- and 12-month periods ended April 30, 2017. Individual performance for each of these indices is also included for both time periods.

During the six-month period, all share classes of the Fund outperformed the primary benchmark, before sales charges. Currency selection contributed most to performance, relative to the benchmark. Gains from overweight positions in the Russian ruble, Brazilian real, Argentine peso, Indian rupee and Colombian peso more than offset losses from an underweight in the offshore Chinese renminbi. Country allocation (a result of bottom-up security analysis combined with fundamental research) bolstered returns further, primarily because of overweights to Brazil and Canada and an underweight in the eurozone. Security selection also contributed to performance. Gains from selections within the energy, sovereigns and banking sectors outweighed losses from selections in transportation services and retailers. Yield-curve positioning contributed as well, particularly the Fund’s positioning along the intermediate portion of the US yield curve. Industry allocation detracted, primarily because of an exposure to Treasuries. The Fund’s exposure to collateralized mortgage obligations offset some of these losses.

During the 12-month period, all share classes except Class B, C and R shares outperformed the primary benchmark, before sales charges. Country allocation contributed most to relative performance on the back of gains from an underweight in the eurozone and exposures to Brazil and Canada. Security selection added to returns, as selections within the energy, basics, technology and sovereigns sectors contributed, outweighing losses from selections in transportation services and consumer non-cyclicals. Currency selection was similarly positive, helped most by overweights in the Brazilian real, Russian ruble and Argentine peso. Overweight positions in the Mexican peso and Swedish krona took back some of these gains. Industry allocation detracted, as negative returns from an exposure to Treasuries and underweight in energy more than offset positive returns from an exposure to collateralized mortgage obligations and an underweight in consumer non-cyclicals. Yield-curve positioning did not have a significant impact on overall returns in the period.

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    3


During both periods, the Fund utilized derivatives in the form of interest rate swaps, futures and interest rate swaptions to manage and hedge duration risk and/or take active yield-curve positioning. Currency forwards and currency options, both written and purchased, were used to hedge foreign currency exposure and to take active currency risk. Credit default swaps, both single name and index, were used to take active exposures as well as to hedge investment grade and high-yield credit risk taken through cash bonds. Total return swaps were used to create synthetic high-yield exposure in the Fund. Variance swaps were used to add alpha by capturing risk premiums that are similar to high-yield exposure elsewhere in the Fund.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Bond markets rallied over the 12-month period, but were volatile in the latter half of the period. Political events had a significant impact on bond markets during both periods. In the US, Donald Trump’s presidential election victory and the promise of fiscal stimulus, a retreat from globalization and relaxed regulation were treated as positive developments by financial markets, though uncertainty regarding the specific details remained high. UK Prime Minister Theresa May surprised investors when she called for a snap parliamentary election three years ahead of schedule, in an effort to firm up the country’s mandate going into Brexit negotiations. The benign first-round outcome of the French presidential elections quelled some geopolitical uncertainty and renewed appetite for risk assets. Markets, especially in Europe, rallied on the news. The 10-year US Treasury yield rose almost half a percent to end higher at 2.28%. The 10-year German bund yield also rose through both periods, though only modestly in the latter, ending at 0.32%.

European central banks generally maintained an easing bias through the 12-month period, while the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the second and third time since the financial crisis in 2008. Accelerating trade and waning inflationary pressures contributed to a rally in emerging-market debt. Yields in developed markets had varying performance in both periods, generally rising in the US, Japan and Canada, and moving in different directions elsewhere, though longer maturities broadly rose. Developed-market treasuries, investment-grade credit securities and emerging-market local-currency government bonds rebounded over the 12-month period, but experienced volatility in the latter half. Global high yield rallied in both periods, during which sector performance was almost uniformly positive; energy and basics were the best performers in each period, benefiting from oil price increases. Consumer-related sectors generally lagged the rising markets, with pharmaceuticals one of the few sectors to fall in both periods.

 

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INVESTMENT POLICIES

The Fund pursues income opportunities from government, corporate, emerging-market and high-yield sources. It has the flexibility to invest in a broad range of fixed-income securities in both developed and emerging-market countries. The Fund’s investments may include US and non-US corporate debt securities and sovereign debt securities. The Fund may invest, without limitation, in either US dollar-denominated or non-US dollar-denominated fixed-income securities.

The Adviser selects securities for purchase or sale based on its assessment of the securities’ risk and return characteristics as well as the securities’ impact on the overall risk and return characteristics of the Fund. In making this assessment, the Adviser takes into account various factors, including the credit quality and sensitivity to interest rates of the securities under consideration and of the Fund’s other holdings.

The Fund may invest in debt securities with a range of maturities from short- to long-term. Substantially all of the Fund’s assets may be invested in lower-rated securities, which may include securities having the lowest rating for non-subordinated debt instruments—i.e., rated C by Moody’s Investors Service or CCC+ or lower by S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings—and unrated securities of equivalent investment quality. The Fund also may invest in investment-grade securities and unrated securities.

The Fund may invest in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, loan participations, inflation-indexed securities, structured securities, variable, floating, and inverse floating-rate instruments and preferred stock, and may use other investment techniques. The Fund may also make short sales of securities or maintain a short position. The Fund may use borrowings or other leverage for investment purposes. The Fund intends, among other things, to enter into transactions such as reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls. The Fund may invest, without limit, in derivatives, such as options, futures contracts, forwards or swap agreements.

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    5


 

DISCLOSURES AND RISKS

 

Benchmark Disclosure

All indices are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Bloomberg Barclays Global High Yield Index (USD hedged) represents non-investment grade fixed-income securities of companies in the US, developed and emerging markets. The JPM® EMBI Global (market-capitalization weighted) represents the performance of US dollar-denominated Brady bonds, Eurobonds, and trade loans issued by sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities. The JPM® GBI-EM represents the performance of local currency government bonds issued by emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays US Corporate HY 2% Issuer Capped Index is the 2% Issuer Capped component of the US Corporate HY Index. The Bloomberg Barclays US Corporate HY Index represents the performance of fixed-income securities having a maximum quality rating of Ba1, a minimum amount outstanding of $150 million and at least one year to maturity. An investor cannot invest directly in an index or average, and their results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events that affect large portions of the market.

Interest Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. The Fund may be subject to heightened interest rate risk due to rising rates as the current period of historically low interest rates may be ending. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations.

Credit Risk: An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security.

Below Investment Grade Securities Risk: Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.

Duration Risk: Duration is a measure that relates the expected price volatility of a fixed-income security to changes in interest rates. The duration of a fixed-income security may be shorter than or equal to full maturity of a fixed-income security. Fixed-income securities with longer durations have more risk and will decrease in price as interest rates rise. For example, a fixed-income security with a duration of three years will decrease in value by approximately 3% if interest rates increase by 1%.

Inflation Risk: This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater if the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with longer maturities.

Foreign (Non-US) Risk: Investments in securities of non-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Emerging Market Risk: Investments in emerging-market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid, and because these investments may be subject to increased economic, political, regulatory or other uncertainties.

Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

Leverage Risk: To the extent the Fund uses leveraging techniques, its net asset value (“NAV”) may be more volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of changes in interest rates and any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments.

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund, and may be subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments.

Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    7


 

DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Fund shares. Over recent years liquidity risk has also increased because the capacity of dealers in the secondary market for fixed-income securities to make markets in these securities has decreased, even as the overall bond market has grown significantly, due to, among other things, structural changes, additional regulatory requirements and capital and risk restraints that have led to reduced inventories. Liquidity risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.

The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed and/or other asset-backed securities, including securities backed by mortgages and assets with an international or emerging-markets origination and securities backed by non-performing loans at the time of investment. Investments in mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities are subject to certain additional risks. The value of these securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates. These risks include “extension risk”, which is the risk that, in periods of rising interest rates, issuers may delay the payment of principal, and “prepayment risk”, which is the risk that, in periods of falling interest rates, issuers may pay principal sooner than expected, exposing the Fund to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. Mortgage-backed securities offered by nongovernmental issuers and other asset-backed securities may be subject to other risks, such as higher rates of default in the mortgages or assets backing the securities or risks associated with the nature and servicing of mortgages or assets backing the securities.

These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com.

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. NAV returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximum front-end sales charge for Class A shares; the applicable contingent deferred sales charge for Class B shares (3% year 1, 2% year 2, 1% year 3); a 1% 1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF APRIL 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

    NAV Returns     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
    SEC
Yields1
 
CLASS A SHARES         5.10%  
1 Year     13.08%       8.30%    
5 Years     7.08%       6.16%    
10 Years     8.27%       7.80%    
CLASS B SHARES         4.50%  
1 Year     12.21%       9.21%    
5 Years     6.24%       6.24%    
10 Years2     7.78%       7.78%    
CLASS C SHARES         4.52%  
1 Year     12.21%       11.21%    
5 Years     6.27%       6.27%    
10 Years     7.42%       7.42%    
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES3         5.57%  
1 Year     13.35%       13.35%    
5 Years     7.36%       7.36%    
Since Inception4     8.91%       8.91%    
CLASS R SHARES3         4.90%  
1 Year     12.64%       12.64%    
5 Years     6.70%       6.70%    
Since Inception4     8.28%       8.28%    
CLASS K SHARES3         5.21%  
1 Year     13.03%       13.03%    
5 Years     7.05%       7.05%    
Since Inception4     8.62%       8.62%    
CLASS I SHARES3         5.61%  
1 Year     13.38%       13.38%    
5 Years     7.41%       7.41%    
Since Inception4     8.95%       8.95%    
CLASS Z SHARES3         5.63%  
1 Year     13.41%       13.41%    
Since Inception4     6.22%       6.22%    

The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 0.86%, 1.63%, 1.58%, 0.58%, 1.22%, 0.85%, 0.53% and 0.51% for Class A, Class B, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, Class I and Class Z shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements limited the Fund’s annual operating expenses to 0.85% for Class A shares. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights sections since they are based on different time periods.

(footnotes continued on next page)

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

 

1 SEC yields are calculated based on SEC guidelines for the 30-day period ended April 30, 2017.

 

2 Assumes conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares after six years.

 

3 These share classes are offered at NAV to eligible investors and their SEC returns are the same as their NAV returns. Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

4 Inception dates: 1/28/2008 for Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares; 10/15/2013 for Class Z shares.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

MARCH 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

    

SEC Returns

(reflects applicable

sales charges)

 
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      10.39%  
5 Years      6.05%  
10 Years      7.81%  
CLASS B SHARES   
1 Year      11.36%  
5 Years      6.16%  
10 Years1      7.78%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      13.35%  
5 Years      6.16%  
10 Years      7.43%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES2   
1 Year      15.53%  
5 Years      7.28%  
Since Inception3      8.84%  
CLASS R SHARES2   
1 Year      14.81%  
5 Years      6.60%  
Since Inception3      8.21%  
CLASS K SHARES2   
1 Year      15.22%  
5 Years      6.97%  
Since Inception3      8.55%  
CLASS I SHARES2   
1 Year      15.57%  
5 Years      7.33%  
Since Inception3      8.88%  
CLASS Z SHARES2   
1 Year      15.59%  
Since Inception3      5.97%  

 

1 Assumes conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares after six years.

 

2 Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

3 Inception dates: 1/28/2008 for Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares; 10/15/2013 for Class Z shares.

 

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EXPENSE EXAMPLE

(unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

Actual Expenses

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
11/1/2016
    Ending
Account
Value
4/30/2017
    Expenses
Paid
During
Period*
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio*
    Effective
Expenses
Paid
During
Period+
    Effective
Annualized
Expense
Ratio+
 
Class A            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,064.30     $ 4.09       0.80   $ 4.09       0.80

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.83     $ 4.01       0.80   $ 4.01       0.80
Class B            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,060.80     $ 8.07       1.58   $ 8.07       1.58

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,016.96     $ 7.90       1.58   $ 7.90       1.58
Class C            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,060.80     $ 7.87       1.54   $ 7.92       1.55

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,017.16     $ 7.70       1.54   $ 7.75       1.55

 

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EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
11/1/2016
    Ending
Account
Value
4/30/2017
    Expenses
Paid
During
Period*
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio*
    Effective
Expenses
Paid
During
Period+
    Effective
Annualized
Expense
Ratio+
 
Advisor Class            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,065.50     $ 2.82       0.55   $ 2.82       0.55

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,022.07     $ 2.76       0.55   $ 2.76       0.55
Class R            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,063.50     $ 6.09       1.19   $ 6.14       1.20

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,018.89     $ 5.96       1.19   $ 6.01       1.20
Class K            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,063.90     $ 4.45       0.87   $ 4.45       0.87

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.48     $ 4.36       0.87   $ 4.36       0.87
Class I            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,065.70     $ 2.66       0.52   $ 2.71       0.53

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,022.22     $ 2.61       0.52   $ 2.66       0.53
Class Z            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,065.80     $ 2.51       0.49   $ 2.51       0.49

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,022.36     $ 2.46       0.49   $ 2.46       0.49

 

Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**  Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+ The Fund’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios incur no direct expenses, but bear proportionate shares of the acquired fund fees (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fee) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. Currently the Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive its investment advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s share of the advisory fees of the affiliated underlying portfolios, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. The Fund’s effective expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Fund’s pro-rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

14    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

April 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

Net Assets ($mil): $8,149.1

 

 

LOGO

 

1 All data are as of April 30, 2017. The Fund’s security type breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). “Other” securities type weightings represents 0.5% or less in the following security types: Asset-Backed Securities, Collateralized Loan Obligations, Governments–Sovereign Bonds, Local Governments–US Municipal Bonds, Local Governments–Regional Bonds, Options Purchased–Calls, Options Purchased–Puts, Warrants and Whole Loan Trusts.

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    15


 

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY (continued)

April 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

 

 

LOGO

 

1 All data are as of April 30, 2017. The Fund’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). “Other” country weightings represent 0.9% or less in the following countries or regions: Angola, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, Chile, Croatia, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Eurozone, Gabon, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Macau, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Ukraine, Venezuela and Zambia.

 

16    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

April 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

CORPORATES – NON-INVESTMENT GRADE – 33.8%

      

Industrial – 28.1%

      

Basic – 3.1%

      

AK Steel Corp.
7.625%, 10/01/21

    U.S.$       3,745      $ 3,904,649  

Aleris International, Inc.
7.875%, 11/01/20

      4,671        4,629,699  

Anglo American Capital PLC
4.125%, 4/15/21(a)

      780        799,640  

4.75%, 4/10/27(a)

      4,031        4,153,417  

4.875%, 5/14/25(a)

      1,287        1,341,575  

ArcelorMittal
7.50%, 3/01/41

      6,623        7,447,431  

7.75%, 10/15/39

      11,307        12,938,137  

Ashland LLC
4.75%, 8/15/22

      1,800        1,875,121  

Axalta Coating Systems LLC
4.875%, 8/15/24(a)

      2,893        2,996,312  

Berry Plastics Corp.
5.50%, 5/15/22

      1,590        1,659,650  

CF Industries, Inc.
4.95%, 6/01/43

      3,911        3,255,395  

5.375%, 3/15/44

      3,218        2,793,897  

6.875%, 5/01/18

      1,100        1,145,964  

Commercial Metals Co.
4.875%, 5/15/23

      3,249        3,294,538  

Constellium NV
5.75%, 5/15/24(a)

      9,890        9,222,554  

ERP Iron Ore, LLC
9.039%, 12/31/19(b)(c)(d)

      2,924        2,923,775  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.
7.00%, 2/15/21(a)

      1,371        1,417,796  

7.25%, 5/15/22-4/01/23(a)

      9,687        9,956,920  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
5.40%, 11/14/34

      3,333        2,967,333  

5.45%, 3/15/43

      8,300        7,070,280  

6.125%, 6/15/19(a)

      1,298        1,318,553  

6.50%, 11/15/20(a)

      3,362        3,446,440  

6.625%, 5/01/21(a)

      649        663,249  

6.75%, 2/01/22(a)

      1,566        1,638,943  

Grinding Media, Inc./MC Grinding Media Canada, Inc.
7.375%, 12/15/23(a)

      7,199        7,670,103  

Ineos Finance PLC
4.00%, 5/01/23(a)

    EUR       5,160        5,839,375  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    17


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Joseph T Ryerson & Son, Inc.
11.00%, 5/15/22(a)

    U.S.$       20,167      $ 22,755,051  

Lecta SA
6.50%, 8/01/23(a)

    EUR       1,106        1,266,711  

Lundin Mining Corp.
7.50%, 11/01/20(a)

    U.S.$       2,459        2,605,193  

7.875%, 11/01/22(a)

      4,001        4,392,226  

Magnetation LLC/Mag Finance Corp.
11.00%, 5/15/18(e)(f)(g)

      16,121        1,612  

Momentive Performance Materials, Inc.
3.88%, 10/24/21

      22,931        22,818,661  

8.875%, 10/15/20(b)(f)(h)

      22,931        – 0  – 

NOVA Chemicals Corp.
5.00%, 5/01/25(a)

      2,349        2,401,329  

Novelis Corp.
5.875%, 9/30/26(a)

      8,210        8,428,386  

6.25%, 8/15/24(a)

      2,634        2,770,209  

Pactiv LLC
7.95%, 12/15/25

      6,261        6,915,581  

Peabody Energy Corp.
6.00%, 11/15/18

      28,941        – 0  – 

6.00%, 3/31/22(a)

      1,509        1,538,137  

Plastipak Holdings, Inc.
6.50%, 10/01/21(a)

      2,949        3,033,262  

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc./Reynolds Group Issuer LLC/Reynolds Group Issuer Lu
5.125%, 7/15/23(a)

      4,552        4,732,064  

Sealed Air Corp.
6.875%, 7/15/33(a)

      14,904        16,200,872  

SIG Combibloc Holdings SCA
7.75%, 2/15/23(a)

    EUR       3,835        4,475,231  

Smurfit Kappa Acquisitions Unltd Co.
4.875%, 9/15/18(a)

    U.S.$       4,234        4,348,974  

Smurfit Kappa Treasury Funding Ltd.
7.50%, 11/20/25

      1,073        1,270,305  

SPCM SA
4.875%, 9/15/25(a)

      8,220        8,319,840  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.
5.125%, 10/01/21

      1,007        1,040,114  

6.375%, 8/15/22

      3,790        3,941,793  

Teck Resources Ltd.
5.40%, 2/01/43

      8,166        7,906,681  

6.125%, 10/01/35

      5,000        5,278,440  

6.25%, 7/15/41

      1,323        1,404,178  

 

18    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

United States Steel Corp.
8.375%, 7/01/21(a)

    U.S.$       5,453      $ 6,003,022  

Valvoline, Inc.
5.50%, 7/15/24(a)

      1,738        1,844,426  
      

 

 

 
         252,063,044  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 1.4%

      

Accudyne Industries Borrower/Accudyne Industries LLC
7.75%, 12/15/20(a)

      3,293        3,292,206  

Apex Tool Group LLC
7.00%, 2/01/21(a)

      7,737        7,179,371  

ARD Finance SA
6.625% (6.62% Cash or 7.375% PIK), 9/15/23(a)(d)

    EUR       10,431        11,811,920  

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC/Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc.
6.75%, 5/15/24(a)

      9,883        11,828,909  

B456 Systems, Inc.
3.75%, 4/15/16(c)(f)(i)

    U.S.$       3,985        239,100  

Bombardier, Inc.
7.50%, 3/15/25(a)

      5,805        6,042,802  

7.75%, 3/15/20(a)

      2,558        2,770,368  

8.75%, 12/01/21(a)

      7,024        7,810,709  

BWAY Holding Co.
5.50%, 4/15/24(a)

      7,810        7,895,223  

Clean Harbors, Inc.
5.125%, 6/01/21

      3,417        3,497,898  

5.25%, 8/01/20

      800        815,178  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.
5.50%, 6/15/25(a)

      6,119        6,364,494  

EnPro Industries, Inc.
5.875%, 9/15/22

      5,800        6,086,253  

Gardner Denver, Inc.
6.875%, 8/15/21(a)

      3,462        3,593,650  

Gates Global LLC/Gates Global Co.
5.75%, 7/15/22(a)

    EUR       710        793,058  

6.00%, 7/15/22(a)

    U.S.$       7,870        7,924,547  

GFL Environmental, Inc.
7.875%, 4/01/20(a)

      1,770        1,836,729  

9.875%, 2/01/21(a)

      6,191        6,691,542  

KLX, Inc.
5.875%, 12/01/22(a)

      5,387        5,654,621  

Liberty Tire Recycling LLC
11.00%, 3/31/21(d)(e)

      2,416        1,380,422  

Textron Financial Corp.
2.774% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.74%),
2/15/42(a)(j)

      125        99,902  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    19


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

TransDigm, Inc.
6.375%, 6/15/26

    U.S.$       9,896      $ 9,984,559  

6.50%, 7/15/24

      3,170        3,263,775  
      

 

 

 
         116,857,236  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Media – 3.4%

      

Altice Financing SA
6.625%, 2/15/23(a)

      13,760        14,561,754  

7.50%, 5/15/26(a)

      11,970        12,928,797  

Altice Luxembourg SA
7.25%, 5/15/22(a)

    EUR       6,390        7,359,457  

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.
5.375%, 5/01/25(a)

    U.S.$       732        763,177  

5.75%, 1/15/24

      500        526,359  

5.875%, 5/01/27(a)

      2,868        3,040,046  

Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC/Cequel Capital Corp.
7.75%, 7/15/25(a)

      5,014        5,578,075  

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
Series A
6.50%, 11/15/22

      2,230        2,277,945  

Series B
6.50%, 11/15/22

      6,270        6,498,767  

CSC Holdings LLC
10.125%, 1/15/23(a)

      3,053        3,537,664  

DISH DBS Corp.
5.875%, 11/15/24

      5,603        5,874,947  

6.75%, 6/01/21

      1,500        1,633,018  

7.75%, 7/01/26

      2,915        3,412,774  

7.875%, 9/01/19

      520        577,065  

Gray Television, Inc.
5.125%, 10/15/24(a)

      7,217        7,250,256  

iHeartCommunications, Inc.
6.875%, 6/15/18

      10,579        7,202,226  

9.00%, 12/15/19-3/01/21

      15,846        12,433,806  

10.625%, 3/15/23

      1,507        1,139,521  

11.25%, 3/01/21(a)

      2,444        1,886,348  

14.00% (12.00% Cash and 2.00% PIK), 2/01/21(d)

      1,386        401,858  

LGE HoldCo VI BV
7.125%, 5/15/24(a)

    EUR       3,158        3,901,404  

Liberty Interactive LLC
3.75%, 2/15/30(i)

    U.S.$       2,233        1,356,659  

McClatchy Co. (The)
9.00%, 12/15/22(k)

      5,524        5,769,614  

 

20    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC/McGraw-Hill Global Education Finance
7.875%, 5/15/24(a)(k)

    U.S.$       10,000      $ 9,726,280  

NAI Entertainment Holdings/NAI Entertainment Holdings Finance Corp.
5.00%, 8/01/18(a)

      1,806        1,819,393  

Netflix, Inc.
4.375%, 11/15/26(a)

      10,284        10,157,229  

Radio One, Inc.
7.375%, 4/15/22(a)

      7,700        8,008,000  

9.25%, 2/15/20(a)(k)

      9,972        9,845,326  

SFR Group SA
5.375%, 5/15/22(a)

    EUR       622        705,907  

5.625%, 5/15/24(a)

      1,981        2,328,634  

6.00%, 5/15/22(a)

    U.S.$       821        855,848  

7.375%, 5/01/26(a)

      18,406        19,373,677  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
5.625%, 8/01/24(a)

      2,436        2,531,184  

6.125%, 10/01/22

      2,204        2,301,285  

TEGNA, Inc.
4.875%, 9/15/21(a)

      1,071        1,104,095  

5.50%, 9/15/24(a)

      719        738,047  

6.375%, 10/15/23

      3,966        4,210,480  

Time, Inc.
5.75%, 4/15/22(a)

      7,772        7,957,790  

Townsquare Media, Inc.
6.50%, 4/01/23(a)

      5,674        5,736,170  

Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG/Unitymedia NRW GmbH
5.50%, 9/15/22(a)

    EUR       2,430        2,759,735  

5.50%, 1/15/23(a)

    U.S.$       8,392        8,739,303  

Univision Communications, Inc.
5.125%, 5/15/23-2/15/25(a)

      9,363        9,378,203  

UPCB Finance IV Ltd.
5.375%, 1/15/25(a)

      5,668        5,775,426  

Virgin Media Finance PLC
4.875%, 2/15/22

      8,905        7,992,309  

5.25%, 2/15/22

      941        853,846  

Virgin Media Receivables Financing Notes I DAC
5.50%, 9/15/24(a)

    GBP       445        607,079  

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC
5.50%, 1/15/25(a)

      2,070        2,836,887  

Wave Holdco LLC/Wave Holdco Corp.
8.25% (8.25% Cash or 9.00 % PIK), 7/15/19(a)(d)

    U.S.$       5,030        5,055,016  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    21


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

WaveDivision Escrow LLC/WaveDivision Escrow Corp.
8.125%, 9/01/20(a)

    U.S.$       2,612      $ 2,692,909  

WideOpenWest Finance LLC/WideOpenWest Capital Corp.
10.25%, 7/15/19

      16,473        17,134,111  

Ziggo Bond Finance BV
5.875%, 1/15/25(a)

      6,178        6,348,680  

Ziggo Secured Finance BV
5.50%, 1/15/27(a)

      8,360        8,563,792  
      

 

 

 
         276,048,178  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Telecommunications – 2.5%

      

Arqiva Broadcast Finance PLC
9.50%, 3/31/20(a)

    GBP       6,207        8,671,686  

CenturyLink, Inc.
Series W
6.75%, 12/01/23

    U.S.$       1,850        1,979,474  

Clear Channel Communications, Inc.
12.00%, 8/01/21(f)

      2,737        4,927  

Embarq Corp.
7.995%, 6/01/36

      12,200        12,422,260  

Frontier Communications Corp.
6.875%, 1/15/25

      244        203,252  

7.125%, 1/15/23

      100        87,808  

7.625%, 4/15/24

      7,921        6,889,923  

7.875%, 1/15/27

      4,058        3,279,059  

8.75%, 4/15/22

      5,502        5,315,152  

9.00%, 8/15/31

      4,350        3,718,976  

10.50%, 9/15/22

      2,308        2,320,424  

11.00%, 9/15/25

      1,463        1,411,502  

Hughes Satellite Systems Corp.
7.625%, 6/15/21

      4,508        5,080,439  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA
5.50%, 8/01/23

      9,915        8,464,931  

7.25%, 4/01/19-10/15/20

      6,860        6,519,427  

7.50%, 4/01/21

      3,615        3,305,889  

8.00%, 2/15/24(a)

      1,212        1,304,051  

9.50%, 9/30/22(a)

      2,861        3,381,751  

Intelsat Luxembourg SA
7.75%, 6/01/21

      1,667        962,693  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.
5.375%, 1/15/24

      2,601        2,703,399  

6.125%, 1/15/21

      2,690        2,777,941  

 

22    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Sable International Finance Ltd.
6.875%, 8/01/22(a)

    U.S.$       2,219      $ 2,383,270  

Sprint Capital Corp.
8.75%, 3/15/32

      5,865        7,209,328  

Sprint Corp.
7.125%, 6/15/24

      4,993        5,435,585  

7.625%, 2/15/25

      6,134        6,841,361  

7.875%, 9/15/23

      685        768,189  

T-Mobile USA, Inc.
6.00%, 3/01/23

      3,547        3,787,895  

6.125%, 1/15/22

      1,460        1,543,392  

6.836%, 4/28/23

      3,010        3,231,211  

Telecom Italia Capital SA
7.20%, 7/18/36

      7,680        8,472,392  

7.721%, 6/04/38

      4,700        5,364,646  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano
5.303%, 5/30/24(a)

      5,639        5,865,096  

Uniti Group, Inc./CSL Capital LLC
6.00%, 4/15/23(a)

      7,539        7,844,201  

8.25%, 10/15/23

      15,715        16,780,948  

Wind Acquisition Finance SA
4.75%, 7/15/20(a)

      4,138        4,204,270  

7.375%, 4/23/21(a)

      11,197        11,648,015  

Windstream Services LLC
6.375%, 8/01/23

      12,858        11,341,566  

7.75%, 10/01/21(k)

      2,780        2,793,414  

Zayo Group LLC/Zayo Capital, Inc.
5.75%, 1/15/27(a)

      1,953        2,073,625  

6.00%, 4/01/23

      3,305        3,521,910  

6.375%, 5/15/25

      8,198        8,870,375  
      

 

 

 
         200,785,653  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical -
Automotive – 1.3%

      

Adient Global Holdings Ltd.
4.875%, 8/15/26(a)

      8,034        8,046,734  

BCD Acquisition, Inc.
9.625%, 9/15/23(a)

      14,012        15,088,962  

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.
7.875%, 4/15/19

      9,012        9,020,742  

Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc.
5.625%, 11/15/26(a)

      7,290        7,414,827  

Dana Financing Luxembourg SARL
5.75%, 4/15/25(a)

      4,059        4,152,933  

6.50%, 6/01/26(a)

      10,848        11,345,153  

Exide Technologies
7.00%, 4/30/25(b)(d)(e)(i)

      794        394,887  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    23


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Series AI
7.00%, 4/30/25(c)(d)(i)

    U.S.$       18,351      $ 9,129,417  

11.00% (11.00% Cash or 7.00% PIK),
4/30/20(d)(h)

      23,929        18,515,463  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)
7.00%, 3/15/28

      700        757,001  

8.75%, 8/15/20

      924        1,090,880  

IHO Verwaltungs GmbH
4.125% (4.125% Cash or 4.875% PIK), 9/15/21(a)(d)

      5,807        5,889,644  

Meritor, Inc.
6.25%, 2/15/24

      6,786        7,033,784  

ZF North America Capital, Inc.
4.75%, 4/29/25(a)

      6,260        6,524,504  
      

 

 

 
         104,404,931  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical -
Entertainment – 0.1%

      

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
5.875%, 11/15/26(a)

      8,694        8,836,573  

ClubCorp Club Operations, Inc.
8.25%, 12/15/23(a)

      2,963        3,237,907  
      

 

 

 
         12,074,480  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 2.4%

      

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
6.75%, 3/15/25(a)

      7,010        7,134,070  

8.75%, 3/15/22

      3,405        3,782,025  

Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc.
10.00%, 12/15/18(f)(g)

      1,935        1,676,194  

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC/Caesars Entertainment Resort Prope
8.00%, 10/01/20

      6,600        6,885,866  

CalAtlantic Group, Inc.
6.625%, 5/01/20

      5,393        5,933,632  

8.375%, 5/15/18

      3,250        3,454,149  

Cirsa Funding Luxembourg SA
5.75%, 5/15/21(a)

    EUR       2,058        2,391,028  

Diamond Resorts International, Inc.
7.75%, 9/01/23(a)

    U.S.$       7,479        7,931,532  

Eagle II Acquisition Co. LLC
6.00%, 4/01/25(a)

      4,963        5,130,447  

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc.
5.375%, 4/15/26

      2,300        2,422,650  

 

24    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

International Game Technology PLC
6.50%, 2/15/25(a)

    U.S.$       7,309      $ 8,007,667  

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.
5.875%, 3/15/21

      238        245,594  

K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
5.00%, 11/01/21

      12,319        9,763,867  

7.25%, 10/15/20(a)

      5,715        5,542,156  

KB Home
7.00%, 12/15/21

      6,936        7,734,105  

7.25%, 6/15/18

      1,000        1,051,637  

7.50%, 9/15/22

      2,741        3,103,242  

9.10%, 9/15/17

      809        828,364  

Lennar Corp.
4.50%, 6/15/19

      1,690        1,751,648  

6.95%, 6/01/18

      2,780        2,917,549  

MDC Holdings, Inc.
5.50%, 1/15/24

      4,397        4,552,517  

6.00%, 1/15/43

      17,203        15,549,482  

Meritage Homes Corp.
6.00%, 6/01/25

      4,696        5,001,226  

7.15%, 4/15/20

      2,500        2,754,378  

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.
5.625%, 5/01/24(a)

      4,736        4,875,504  

PulteGroup, Inc.
5.00%, 1/15/27

      1,470        1,488,654  

6.00%, 2/15/35

      932        926,843  

6.375%, 5/15/33

      2,695        2,791,120  

7.875%, 6/15/32

      7,600        8,648,952  

RSI Home Products, Inc.
6.50%, 3/15/23(a)

      14,852        15,424,871  

Safari Holding Verwaltungs GmbH
8.25%, 2/15/21(a)

    EUR       1,157        1,306,924  

Shea Homes LP/Shea Homes Funding Corp.
5.875%, 4/01/23(a)

    U.S.$       6,743        6,827,840  

6.125%, 4/01/25(a)

      4,677        4,747,249  

Standard Industries, Inc./NJ
6.00%, 10/15/25(a)

      5,285        5,641,737  

Sugarhouse HSP Gaming Prop Mezz LP/Sugarhouse HSP Gaming Finance Corp.
5.875%, 5/15/25(a)

      4,253        4,272,402  

Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc./Taylor Morrison Holdings II, Inc.
5.625%, 3/01/24(a)

      7,725        8,129,867  

5.875%, 4/15/23(a)

      4,950        5,284,125  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    25


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Toll Brothers Finance Corp.
4.875%, 3/15/27

    U.S.$       8,180      $ 8,295,240  

Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp.
5.50%, 3/01/25(a)

      4,515        4,684,827  
      

 

 

 
         198,891,180  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical -
Restaurants – 0.2%

      

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance, Inc.
6.00%, 4/01/22(a)

      5,350        5,571,057  

Landry’s, Inc.
6.75%, 10/15/24(a)

      2,549        2,663,822  

Pizzaexpress Financing 2 PLC
6.625%, 8/01/21(a)

    GBP       2,879        3,861,644  
      

 

 

 
         12,096,523  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical -
Retailers – 0.8%

      

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
5.00%, 6/01/22

    U.S.$       2,143        2,167,833  

JC Penney Corp., Inc.
6.375%, 10/15/36

      1,169        892,087  

7.40%, 4/01/37

      4,492        3,641,251  

L Brands, Inc.
6.875%, 11/01/35

      11,730        11,573,510  

6.95%, 3/01/33

      3,500        3,354,166  

Levi Strauss & Co.
5.00%, 5/01/25

      7,819        8,118,695  

Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. LLC
8.00%, 10/15/21(a)

      14,081        8,249,819  

8.75% (8.75% Cash or 9.50% PIK),
10/15/21(a)(d)

      17        9,182  

New Look Secured Issuer PLC
6.50%, 7/01/22(a)

    GBP       1,404        1,597,545  

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.
5.50%, 5/15/26

    U.S.$       5,857        5,807,321  

PetSmart, Inc.
7.125%, 3/15/23(a)

      3,069        2,801,794  

Rite Aid Corp.
6.125%, 4/01/23(a)

      3,912        3,877,727  

Sally Holdings LLC/Sally Capital, Inc.
5.625%, 12/01/25

      2,086        2,153,910  

5.75%, 6/01/22

      5,376        5,536,205  

Sonic Automotive, Inc.
5.00%, 5/15/23

      3,494        3,350,246  

 

26    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

6.125%, 3/15/27(a)

    U.S.$       5,939      $ 5,966,509  
      

 

 

 
         69,097,800  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 4.5%

      

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.
6.50%, 3/01/24

      4,040        4,279,156  

Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc.
6.375%, 5/15/23(a)

      11,200        10,901,666  

Albertsons Cos. LLC/Safeway, Inc./New Albertson’s, Inc./Albertson’s LLC
5.75%, 3/15/25(a)

      3,777        3,666,391  

6.625%, 6/15/24(a)

      11,094        11,332,377  

Alere, Inc.
6.375%, 7/01/23(a)

      1,482        1,612,908  

7.25%, 7/01/18

      3,046        3,074,514  

BI-LO LLC/BI-LO Finance Corp.
8.625% (8.625% Cash or 9.375% PIK), 9/15/18(a)(d)

      12,017        6,156,778  

9.25%, 2/15/19(a)

      6,688        5,864,139  

Boparan Finance PLC
5.50%, 7/15/21(a)(k)

    GBP       9,185        11,924,225  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc.
4.75%, 12/15/24(a)

    EUR       2,223        2,575,699  

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.
6.875%, 2/01/22

    U.S.$       29,150        24,117,019  

8.00%, 11/15/19

      2,614        2,547,649  

Concordia International Corp.
7.00%, 4/15/23(a)

      1,245        199,200  

9.50%, 10/21/22(a)

      20,366        3,945,912  

DaVita, Inc.
5.00%, 5/01/25

      2,600        2,622,534  

Eagle Holding Company II, LLC
7.625% (7.625% Cash or 8.375% PIK), 5/15/22(d)

      1,276        1,299,198  

Endo Dac/Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc.
6.00%, 7/15/23-2/01/25(a)

      21,129        18,003,648  

Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc.
7.25%, 1/15/22(a)

      3,035        2,988,853  

Envision Healthcare Corp.
5.625%, 7/15/22

      5,163        5,338,212  

6.25%, 12/01/24(a)

      5,755        6,056,338  

First Quality Finance Co., Inc.
4.625%, 5/15/21(a)

      16,738        16,467,614  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    27


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

HCA, Inc.
4.25%, 10/15/19

    U.S.$       3,274      $ 3,400,216  

4.50%, 2/15/27

      1,002        1,012,496  

5.25%, 6/15/26

      1,744        1,866,607  

5.875%, 3/15/22

      2,450        2,716,526  

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.
5.75%, 9/01/23(a)

      1,473        1,543,069  

Holding Medi-Partenaires SAS
7.00%, 5/15/20(a)

    EUR       6,584        7,428,977  

Horizon Pharma, Inc.
6.625%, 5/01/23(k)

    U.S.$       9,168        8,973,244  

Horizon Pharma, Inc./Horizon Pharma USA, Inc.
8.75%, 11/01/24(a)

      4,526        4,719,722  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.
4.625%, 11/01/24(a)

      2,904        2,996,466  

4.875%, 11/01/26(a)

      2,903        2,991,301  

LifePoint Health, Inc.
5.375%, 5/01/24(a)

      2,417        2,437,066  

5.875%, 12/01/23

      7,809        8,059,825  

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA/Mallinckrodt CB LLC
5.50%, 4/15/25(a)

      10,965        10,003,095  

5.625%, 10/15/23(a)

      5,736        5,407,975  

5.75%, 8/01/22(a)

      54        52,871  

MEDNAX, Inc.
5.25%, 12/01/23(a)

      2,302        2,368,816  

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC
7.125%, 6/01/24(a)

      9,919        10,648,324  

Nature’s Bounty Co. (The)
7.625%, 5/15/21(a)

      14,338        15,243,086  

Post Holdings, Inc.
5.00%, 8/15/26(a)

      11,791        11,744,367  

5.50%, 3/01/25(a)

      6,937        7,240,681  

6.00%, 12/15/22(a)

      2,096        2,234,751  

8.00%, 7/15/25(a)

      374        424,946  

Revlon Consumer Products Corp.
6.25%, 8/01/24

      3,601        3,504,749  

Spectrum Brands, Inc.
4.00%, 10/01/26(a)

    EUR       3,459        3,917,625  

6.125%, 12/15/24

    U.S.$       1,915        2,037,100  

6.625%, 11/15/22

      2,624        2,765,525  

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc.
6.00%, 4/01/23(a)

      2,748        2,974,710  

Synlab Bondco PLC
6.25%, 7/01/22(a)

    EUR       9,492        11,197,329  

 

28    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Synlab Unsecured Bondco PLC
8.25%, 7/01/23(a)

    EUR       3,869      $ 4,698,567  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.
6.75%, 6/15/23(k)

    U.S.$       8,125        7,754,394  

6.875%, 11/15/31

      16,407        14,026,410  

8.00%, 8/01/20

      2,244        2,288,842  

8.125%, 4/01/22

      4,631        4,704,313  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International
6.75%, 8/15/21(a)

      2,100        1,741,834  

7.25%, 7/15/22(a)

      5,402        4,344,634  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.
5.375%, 3/15/20(a)

      4,358        3,730,064  

5.50%, 3/01/23(a)

      1,466        1,081,883  

5.875%, 5/15/23(a)

      1,590        1,180,575  

6.125%, 4/15/25(a)

      17,151        12,681,741  

6.50%, 3/15/22(a)

      2,085        2,133,591  

Vizient, Inc.
10.375%, 3/01/24(a)

      2,066        2,361,779  

Voyage Care Bondco PLC
5.875%, 5/01/23

    GBP       7,223        9,521,752  

6.50%, 8/01/18(a)

      4,750        6,237,925  
      

 

 

 
         363,373,799  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 3.4%

      

Alta Mesa Holdings LP/Alta Mesa Finance Services Corp.
7.875%, 12/15/24(a)

    U.S.$       6,153        6,455,986  

Berry Petroleum Co. LLC
6.375%, 9/15/22(b)(c)

      16,461        – 0  – 

Bill Barrett Corp.
8.75%, 6/15/25(a)

      5,430        5,444,444  

California Resources Corp.
5.50%, 9/15/21

      1,846        1,310,396  

6.00%, 11/15/24

      1,594        1,045,342  

8.00%, 12/15/22(a)

      5,980        4,583,269  

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.
7.50%, 9/15/20

      1,394        1,436,281  

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC
7.00%, 6/30/24(a)

      7,043        7,887,202  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.
4.875%, 4/15/22(k)

      10,996        10,102,839  

6.125%, 2/15/21(k)

      2,417        2,386,394  

8.00%, 1/15/25(a)(k)

      12,681        12,516,578  

Continental Resources, Inc./OK
3.80%, 6/01/24

      517        486,483  

4.90%, 6/01/44

      2,314        1,999,981  

5.00%, 9/15/22

      715        721,904  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    29


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Covey Park Energy LLC/FI
7.50%, 5/15/25

    U.S.$       3,519      $ 3,519,000  

DCP Midstream Operating LP
3.875%, 3/15/23

      4,357        4,233,470  

5.60%, 4/01/44

      10,432        9,827,987  

Denbury Resources, Inc.
4.625%, 7/15/23

      2,703        1,854,885  

5.50%, 5/01/22

      1,295        965,741  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
4.875%, 11/01/43

      8,521        6,189,612  

5.70%, 10/15/39

      3,966        3,217,374  

Energy Transfer Equity LP
7.50%, 10/15/20

      3,398        3,833,814  

Ensco PLC
4.50%, 10/01/24

      1,712        1,413,941  

5.20%, 3/15/25

      2,567        2,174,139  

EP Energy LLC/Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc.
6.375%, 6/15/23

      1,899        1,430,190  

7.75%, 9/01/22

      1,866        1,513,113  

8.00%, 2/15/25(a)

      15,115        13,523,315  

9.375%, 5/01/20

      901        853,694  

Golden Energy Offshore Services AS
5.00%, 12/31/17(e)

    NOK       33,602        1,565,454  

Gulfport Energy Corp.
6.375%, 5/15/25(a)

    U.S.$       5,433        5,402,928  

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co.
5.00%, 12/01/24(a)

      2,555        2,414,314  

5.75%, 10/01/25(a)

      10,781        10,440,105  

Murphy Oil Corp.
6.875%, 8/15/24

      1,315        1,394,880  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
5.625%, 5/01/27

      503        513,612  

6.00%, 8/15/23

      3,166        3,321,185  

Noble Holding International Ltd.
5.25%, 3/15/42

      1,180        769,950  

6.20%, 8/01/40

      1,090        776,625  

7.70%, 4/01/25(l)

      2,289        2,068,187  

8.70%, 4/01/45

      1,842        1,610,481  

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
8.00%, 6/01/20

      3,075        2,531,811  

Oasis Petroleum, Inc.
6.875%, 3/15/22

      2,147        2,177,865  

Pacific Drilling SA
5.375%, 6/01/20(a)

      12,449        6,084,449  

 

30    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Paragon Offshore PLC
6.75%, 7/15/22(a)(f)(g)

    U.S.$       17,781      $ 2,911,639  

7.25%, 8/15/24(a)(f)(g)

      6,607        1,081,896  

PDC Energy, Inc.
6.125%, 9/15/24(a)

      3,203        3,289,917  

PHI, Inc.
5.25%, 3/15/19

      7,518        7,029,330  

QEP Resources, Inc.
5.25%, 5/01/23

      4,020        3,948,854  

5.375%, 10/01/22

      1,061        1,052,608  

6.875%, 3/01/21

      3,871        4,094,426  

Range Resources Corp.
5.00%, 3/15/23(a)(k)

      5,789        5,736,285  

Rowan Cos., Inc.
5.40%, 12/01/42

      3,688        2,742,603  

7.375%, 6/15/25

      6,234        6,171,055  

Sanchez Energy Corp.
6.125%, 1/15/23

      5,546        5,098,416  

SandRidge Energy, Inc.
7.50%, 2/15/23(b)(c)(f)

      1,970        – 0  – 

8.125%, 10/15/22(b)(c)(f)

      15,534        – 0  – 

Seitel, Inc.
9.50%, 4/15/19

      2,574        2,589,913  

SM Energy Co.
5.625%, 6/01/25

      4,119        3,936,821  

6.50%, 1/01/23

      2,737        2,775,526  

Southern Star Central Corp.
5.125%, 7/15/22(a)

      6,100        6,168,466  

Targa Resources Partners LP/Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.
4.25%, 11/15/23

      1,674        1,656,487  

6.375%, 8/01/22

      2,736        2,828,682  

Transocean Phoenix 2 Ltd.
7.75%, 10/15/24(a)

      7,600        8,227,000  

Transocean, Inc.
5.80%, 10/15/22

      6,595        6,136,911  

6.80%, 3/15/38

      11,478        9,181,734  

7.50%, 4/15/31

      1,800        1,603,598  

9.00%, 7/15/23(a)

      6,110        6,534,052  

Vantage Drilling International
7.125%, 4/01/23(b)(c)(f)

      8,325        – 0  – 

7.50%, 11/01/19(b)(c)(f)

      8,860        – 0  – 

10.00%, 12/31/20(c)

      521        505,370  

10.00%, 12/31/20(e)

      431        418,070  

Weatherford International Ltd.
5.95%, 4/15/42

      2,757        2,402,036  

6.50%, 8/01/36

      4,003        3,743,954  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    31


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

6.75%, 9/15/40

    U.S.$       4,691      $ 4,418,373  

7.00%, 3/15/38

      4,190        3,988,327  

9.875%, 2/15/24(a)

      4,623        5,388,218  

Whiting Petroleum Corp.
1.25%, 4/01/20(i)

      2,925        2,584,969  

5.00%, 3/15/19

      5,131        5,180,088  

WPX Energy, Inc.
8.25%, 8/01/23

      1,315        1,469,832  
      

 

 

 
         276,894,676  
      

 

 

 

Other Industrial – 1.1%

      

Algeco Scotsman Global Finance PLC
8.50%, 10/15/18(a)

      7,510        7,061,661  

9.00%, 10/15/18(a)

    EUR       1,810        1,846,714  

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc.
5.75%, 12/15/23(a)

    U.S.$       3,425        3,638,840  

American Tire Distributors, Inc.
10.25%, 3/01/22(a)(k)

      15,100        15,517,289  

General Cable Corp.
4.50%, 11/15/29(i)(m)

      5,909        4,627,486  

5.75%, 10/01/22

      7,591        7,522,529  

Global Partners LP/GLP Finance Corp.
6.25%, 7/15/22

      16,442        16,181,098  

HRG Group, Inc.
7.875%, 7/15/19

      12,371        12,844,512  

Laureate Education, Inc.
8.25%, 5/01/25(a)

      8,033        8,254,590  

9.25%, 9/01/19(a)

      1,183        1,241,891  

9.25%, 9/01/19

      10,786        11,327,446  
      

 

 

 
         90,064,056  
      

 

 

 

Services – 1.4%

      

APX Group, Inc.
7.875%, 12/01/22

      11,855        12,950,698  

8.75%, 12/01/20

      9,846        10,233,007  

Aramark Services, Inc.
5.125%, 1/15/24

      1,484        1,565,620  

Carlson Travel, Inc.
6.75%, 12/15/23(a)

      797        819,903  

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.
11.00%, 3/15/21(a)

      7,458        7,854,863  

eDreams ODIGEO SA
8.50%, 8/01/21(a)

    EUR       10,411        12,378,558  

Gartner, Inc.
5.125%, 4/01/25(a)

    U.S.$       3,489        3,612,231  

 

32    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

GEO Group, Inc. (The)
5.125%, 4/01/23

    U.S.$       1,054      $ 1,053,297  

5.875%, 1/15/22-10/15/24

      4,401        4,547,897  

6.00%, 4/15/26

      3,549        3,633,211  

IHS Markit Ltd.
5.00%, 11/01/22(a)

      3,524        3,777,728  

iPayment, Inc.
10.75%, 4/15/24(a)

      5,950        6,443,356  

Nielsen Finance LLC/Nielsen Finance Co.
5.00%, 4/15/22(a)

      1,840        1,890,466  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc.
9.25%, 5/15/23(a)

      21,208        23,157,418  

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc.
5.375%, 1/15/25(a)

      2,521        2,607,264  

Sabre GLBL, Inc.
5.25%, 11/15/23(a)

      1,648        1,705,629  

5.375%, 4/15/23(a)

      4,041        4,162,440  

Service Corp. International/US
7.50%, 4/01/27

      1,575        1,834,968  

Team Health Holdings, Inc.
6.375%, 2/01/25(a)(k)

      5,939        5,739,978  
      

 

 

 
         109,968,532  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 1.4%

      

Amkor Technology, Inc.
6.375%, 10/01/22

      10,924        11,394,311  

Avaya, Inc.
10.50%, 3/01/21(e)(f)(g)

      24,822        3,754,328  

BMC Software Finance, Inc.
8.125%, 7/15/21(a)

      15,535        15,787,832  

BMC Software, Inc.
7.25%, 6/01/18

      223        227,049  

Boxer Parent Co., Inc.
9.00% (9.00% Cash or 9.75% PIK),
10/15/19(a)(d)

      5,529        5,529,757  

CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp.
5.50%, 12/01/24

      1,272        1,357,527  

Compiler Finance Sub, Inc.
7.00%, 5/01/21(a)

      1,945        957,913  

Conduent Finance, Inc./Xerox Business Services LLC
10.50%, 12/15/24(a)

      9,021        10,462,646  

CURO Financial Technologies Corp.
12.00%, 3/01/22(a)

      4,786        4,977,785  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    33


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.
7.125%, 6/15/24(a)

    U.S.$       2,133      $ 2,353,855  

Dell, Inc.
6.50%, 4/15/38

      8,083        7,973,629  

Goodman Networks, Inc.
12.125%, 7/01/18(f)(g)

      8,670        3,272,925  

Infor US, Inc.
6.50%, 5/15/22

      7,478        7,775,767  

Micron Technology, Inc.
5.25%, 8/01/23-1/15/24(a)

      5,769        5,959,142  

5.50%, 2/01/25

      3,367        3,518,407  

Quintiles IMS, Inc.
3.25%, 3/15/25(a)

    EUR       5,672        6,208,469  

Radiate Holdco LLC/Radiate Finance, Inc.
6.625%, 2/15/25(a)

    U.S.$       7,526        7,520,280  

Solera LLC/Solera Finance, Inc.
10.50%, 3/01/24(a)

      6,460        7,381,164  

Symantec Corp.
5.00%, 4/15/25(a)

      4,918        5,077,643  

Western Digital Corp.
10.50%, 4/01/24

      4,967        5,842,469  
      

 

 

 
         117,332,898  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Airlines – 0.0%

      

UAL Pass-Through Trust
Series 2007-1A
6.636%, 7/02/22

      1,456        1,568,967  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Services – 1.1%

      

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc.
5.25%, 3/15/25(a)(k)

      5,359        5,055,557  

5.50%, 4/01/23(k)

      4,745        4,653,142  

CEVA Group PLC
9.00%, 9/01/21(a)

      10,987        8,339,188  

EC Finance PLC
5.125%, 7/15/21(a)

    EUR       4,232        4,763,778  

Europcar Groupe SA
5.75%, 6/15/22(a)(k)

      5,802        6,634,639  

Herc Rentals, Inc.
7.75%, 6/01/24(a)

    U.S.$       12,774        13,945,427  

Hertz Corp. (The)
5.50%, 10/15/24(a)(k)

      20,340        17,515,933  

Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc.
5.00%, 3/01/21

      5,000        3,200,000  

5.875%, 4/01/20

      4,695        3,004,800  

 

34    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Loxam SAS
3.50%, 4/15/22(a)

    EUR       1,102      $ 1,243,546  

4.25%, 4/15/24(a)

      540        609,450  

United Rentals North America, Inc.
5.50%, 5/15/27

    U.S.$       5,208        5,348,710  

5.875%, 9/15/26

      2,375        2,506,012  

XPO CNW, Inc.
6.70%, 5/01/34

      13,854        13,003,517  

XPO Logistics, Inc.
6.125%, 9/01/23(a)

      2,430        2,553,879  
      

 

 

 
         92,377,578  
      

 

 

 
         2,293,899,531  
      

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 4.7%

      

Banking – 3.1%

      

Ally Financial, Inc.
4.125%, 3/30/20

      505        516,097  

8.00%, 11/01/31

      6,998        8,321,300  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA
6.75%, 2/18/20(a)(n)

    EUR       1,800        2,028,080  

8.875%, 4/14/21(a)(n)

      9,400        11,647,340  

Banco Santander SA
6.25%, 3/12/19(a)(n)

      2,100        2,314,004  

Bank of America Corp.
Series AA
6.10%, 3/17/25(n)

    U.S.$       7,966        8,533,976  

Series X
6.25%, 9/05/24(n)

      521        558,370  

Series Z
6.50%, 10/23/24(n)

      4,009        4,451,718  

Bank of Ireland
7.375%, 6/18/20(a)(n)

    EUR       7,811        9,287,052  

Barclays Bank PLC
6.86%, 6/15/32(a)(n)

    U.S.$       838        955,670  

7.70%, 4/25/18(a)(n)

      10,164        10,672,220  

Barclays PLC
8.00%, 12/15/20(n)

    EUR       10,737        12,894,635  

Citigroup, Inc.
5.95%, 1/30/23(n)

    U.S.$       14,778        15,548,377  

Series M
6.30%, 5/15/24(n)

      7,000        7,380,828  

Countrywide Capital III
Series B
8.05%, 6/15/27

      11,735        14,630,365  

Credit Agricole SA
7.589%, 1/30/20(n)

    GBP       4,950        7,140,730  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    35


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

8.125%, 12/23/25(a)(n)

    U.S.$       9,082      $ 10,058,315  

Credit Suisse Group AG
6.25%, 12/18/24(a)(n)

      7,786        8,127,003  

7.50%, 12/11/23(a)(n)

      14,916        16,556,760  

Dresdner Funding Trust I
8.151%, 6/30/31(a)

      816        971,349  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA
5.017%, 6/26/24(a)

      3,834        3,665,243  

5.71%, 1/15/26(a)

      5,445        5,360,047  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC
6.413%, 10/01/35(a)(n)

      3,709        4,038,630  

6.657%, 5/21/37(a)(n)

      1,801        1,982,849  

7.50%, 6/27/24(n)

      3,535        3,820,794  

Macquarie Bank Ltd./London
6.125%, 3/08/27(a)(n)

      256        259,649  

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC
7.50%, 8/10/20(n)

      2,900        3,007,425  

8.00%, 8/10/25(n)

      1,847        1,924,578  

8.625%, 8/15/21(n)

      20,279        21,902,050  

Series U
7.64%, 9/30/17(n)

      1,200        1,122,368  

Societe Generale SA
7.375%, 9/13/21(a)(n)

      7,501        7,932,307  

8.00%, 9/29/25(a)(n)

      11,901        12,734,070  

Standard Chartered PLC
2.68% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.51%),
1/30/27(a)(j)(n)

      3,500        2,940,063  

7.50%, 4/02/22(a)(n)

      4,541        4,842,068  

7.75%, 4/02/23(a)(n)

      1,988        2,117,918  

Suntrust Banks, Inc.
Series G
5.05%, 6/15/22(n)

      6,334        6,352,495  

UBS Group AG
7.00%, 2/19/25(a)(n)

      11,235        12,369,589  

Zions Bancorporation
5.65%, 11/15/23

      2,289        2,358,549  
      

 

 

 
         251,324,881  
      

 

 

 

Brokerage – 0.1%

      

Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.
6.87%, 5/02/18(f)

      1,600        88,640  

Series G
4.80%, 3/13/14(f)(o)

      1,800        97,020  

LPL Holdings, Inc.
5.75%, 9/15/25(a)

      11,023        11,170,598  
      

 

 

 
         11,356,258  
      

 

 

 

 

36    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Finance – 0.8%

      

Artsonig Pty Ltd.
11.50% (11.50% Cash or 12.00% PIK), 4/01/19(d)(e)

    U.S.$       17,037      $ 511,106  

Enova International, Inc.
9.75%, 6/01/21

      11,193        11,401,503  

ILFC E-Capital Trust II
4.91% (H15T 30 Year + 1.80%), 12/21/65(a)(j)

      1,500        1,438,125  

Lincoln Finance Ltd.
6.875%, 4/15/21(a)

    EUR       6,507        7,624,146  

Navient Corp.
4.875%, 6/17/19

    U.S.$       5,837        6,029,545  

5.50%, 1/15/19-1/25/23

      2,213        2,289,098  

5.875%, 3/25/21

      3,619        3,742,129  

6.50%, 6/15/22

      2,343        2,421,634  

6.625%, 7/26/21

      4,403        4,664,331  

7.25%, 1/25/22

      1,638        1,748,781  

8.00%, 3/25/20

      8,274        9,112,156  

SLM Corp.
5.125%, 4/05/22

      3,828        3,894,990  

TMX Finance LLC/TitleMax Finance Corp.
8.50%, 9/15/18(a)

      12,384        11,674,335  
      

 

 

 
         66,551,879  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 0.4%

      

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.
6.625%, 7/15/21

      3,087        3,212,008  

Galaxy Bidco Ltd.
6.375%, 11/15/20(a)

    GBP       4,512        6,010,255  

Genworth Holdings, Inc.
3.042% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.00%), 11/15/66(j)

    U.S.$       809        381,242  

7.625%, 9/24/21

      4,725        4,511,926  

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.
7.80%, 3/15/37(a)

      14,759        17,104,692  
      

 

 

 
         31,220,123  
      

 

 

 

Other Finance – 0.2%

      

Creditcorp
12.00%, 7/15/18(e)

      6,205        5,336,300  

Intelsat Connect Finance SA
12.50%, 4/01/22(a)

      2,158        1,897,926  

SNS Bank NV
Series E
11.25%, 12/31/49(b)(c)(f)(g)(n)

    EUR       1,001        – 0  – 

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    37


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Tempo Acquisition LLC/Tempo Acquisition
Finance Corp.
6.75%, 6/01/25(a)

    U.S.$       8,240      $ 8,453,070  
      

 

 

 
         15,687,296  
      

 

 

 

REITS – 0.1%

      

FelCor Lodging LP
5.625%, 3/01/23

      5,333        5,611,911  

MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Finance Corp.
5.25%, 8/01/26

      971        996,335  

5.50%, 5/01/24

      1,696        1,762,524  
      

 

 

 
         8,370,770  
      

 

 

 
         384,511,207  
      

 

 

 

Utility – 1.0%

      

Electric – 1.0%

      

AES Corp./VA
4.875%, 5/15/23

      826        833,100  

Calpine Corp.
5.50%, 2/01/24

      5,320        5,117,861  

5.75%, 1/15/25

      6,017        5,845,871  

ContourGlobal Power Holdings SA
5.125%, 6/15/21(a)

    EUR       8,608        9,941,171  

DPL, Inc.
6.75%, 10/01/19

    U.S.$       1,280        1,341,039  

Dynegy, Inc.
7.375%, 11/01/22

      5,633        5,407,387  

7.625%, 11/01/24

      5,105        4,702,578  

Emera, Inc.
Series 2016-A
6.75%, 6/15/76

      6,938        7,664,901  

GenOn Energy, Inc.
7.875%, 6/15/17

      825        571,349  

9.50%, 10/15/18

      8,571        5,339,707  

NRG Energy, Inc.
6.25%, 7/15/22-5/01/24

      5,426        5,440,702  

6.625%, 3/15/23

      5,121        5,203,402  

NRG Yield Operating LLC
5.375%, 8/15/24

      4,311        4,403,109  

Talen Energy Supply LLC
4.60%, 12/15/21(k)

      8,074        6,312,835  

Texas Competitive/TCEH
11.50%, 10/01/20(a)(b)(c)(f)(o)

      2,679        – 0  – 

Viridian Group FundCo II Ltd.
7.50%, 3/01/20(a)

    EUR       7,830        8,988,569  
      

 

 

 
         77,113,581  
      

 

 

 

 

38    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Natural Gas – 0.0%

      

NGL Energy Partners LP/NGL Energy
Finance Corp.
7.50%, 11/01/23(a)

    U.S.$       1,722      $ 1,722,093  
      

 

 

 
         78,835,674  
      

 

 

 

Total Corporates – Non-Investment Grade
(cost $2,782,965,593)

         2,757,246,412  
      

 

 

 
      

GOVERNMENTS – TREASURIES – 21.6%

      

Colombia – 0.5%

      

Colombia Government International Bond
7.75%, 4/14/21

    COP       12,390,000        4,539,476  

Colombian TES
Series B
7.00%, 5/04/22

      84,097,200        29,978,279  

10.00%, 7/24/24

      7,000,000        2,909,830  
      

 

 

 
         37,427,585  
      

 

 

 

Indonesia – 1.1%

      

Indonesia Treasury Bond
Series FR53
8.25%, 7/15/21

    IDR       314,387,000        24,786,428  

Series FR70
8.375%, 3/15/24

      349,361,000        28,036,030  

Series FR73
8.75%, 5/15/31

      280,537,000        23,237,068  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA
9.50%, 5/17/41(a)

      68,280,000        5,942,291  

Series E
10.00%, 7/18/17(a)

      63,808,000        4,823,059  
      

 

 

 
         86,824,876  
      

 

 

 

Mexico – 1.0%

      

Mexican Bonos
Series M
6.50%, 6/10/21

    MXN       1,599,554        83,215,876  
      

 

 

 

Russia – 0.8%

      

Russian Federal Bond – OFZ
Series 6209
7.60%, 7/20/22

    RUB       254,534        4,479,906  

Series 6212
7.05%, 1/19/28

      1,271,800        21,479,661  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    39


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Series 6217
7.50%, 8/18/21

    RUB       2,509,448      $ 43,843,792  
      

 

 

 
         69,803,359  
      

 

 

 

South Africa – 1.2%

      

Republic of South Africa Government Bond
Series R186
10.50%, 12/21/26

    ZAR       1,152,637        96,240,866  

Series R204
8.00%, 12/21/18

      16,800        1,266,446  
      

 

 

 
         97,507,312  
      

 

 

 

United States – 17.0%

      

U.S. Treasury Bonds
6.125%, 11/15/27(k)(p)(q)

    U.S.$       403,500        547,246,875  

6.125%, 8/15/29

      50,000        69,898,440  

6.25%, 5/15/30

      68,350        97,772,542  

7.25%, 8/15/22

      26,000        32,995,625  

8.00%, 11/15/21

      100,000        127,062,500  

8.75%, 8/15/20

      130,000        159,981,250  

U.S. Treasury Notes
0.875%, 3/31/18

      127,032        126,754,118  

0.875%, 4/15/19(q)

      120,680        119,774,900  

1.25%, 3/31/21

      78,671        77,417,181  

2.125%, 8/31/20(q)

      6,300        6,416,156  

2.50%, 8/15/23(q)

      16,550        17,012,884  
      

 

 

 
         1,382,332,471  
      

 

 

 

Total Governments – Treasuries
(cost $1,751,569,703)

         1,757,111,479  
      

 

 

 
      

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS – 9.3%

      

Risk Share Floating Rate – 7.8%

      

Bellemeade Re II Ltd.
Series 2016-1A, Class B1
12.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 12.00%),
4/25/26(e)(j)

      2,331        2,534,301  

Series 2016-1A, Class M2B
7.491% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.50%),
4/25/26(e)(j)

      21,264        21,833,522  

Bellemeade Re Ltd.
Series 2015-1A, Class M2
5.291% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.30%),
7/25/25(e)(j)

      5,898        6,018,389  

 

40    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes
Series 2013-DN1, Class M2
8.141% (LIBOR 1 Month + 7.15%),
7/25/23(j)

    U.S.$       8,995      $ 11,090,234  

Series 2013-DN2, Class M2
5.241% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%),
11/25/23(j)

      7,100        7,828,376  

Series 2014-DN1, Class M3
5.491% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.50%),
2/25/24(j)

      13,021        14,996,588  

Series 2014-DN2, Class M3
4.591% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.60%),
4/25/24(j)

      5,376        5,883,457  

Series 2014-DN3, Class M3
4.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%),
8/25/24(j)

      10,000        10,881,102  

Series 2014-DN4, Class M3
5.541% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%),
10/25/24(j)

      1,900        2,094,288  

Series 2014-HQ1, Class M3
5.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.10%),
8/25/24(j)

      9,416        10,367,831  

Series 2014-HQ2, Class M3
4.741% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.75%),
9/25/24(j)

      3,045        3,303,758  

Series 2014-HQ3, Class M3
5.741% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.75%),
10/25/24(j)

      9,550        10,647,656  

Series 2015-DN1, Class B
12.491% (LIBOR 1 Month + 11.50%),
1/25/25(j)

      6,186        8,019,239  

Series 2015-DN1, Class M3
5.141% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.15%),
1/25/25(j)

      8,572        9,326,677  

Series 2015-DNA1, Class M3
4.291% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.30%),
10/25/27(j)

      1,760        1,909,412  

Series 2015-DNA2, Class B
8.541% (LIBOR 1 Month + 7.55%),
12/25/27(j)

      16,219        18,307,136  

Series 2015-DNA3, Class B
10.341% (LIBOR 1 Month + 9.35%),
4/25/28(j)

      7,579        8,945,205  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    41


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Series 2015-DNA3, Class M3
5.691% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.70%),
4/25/28(j)

    U.S.$       3,021      $ 3,447,388  

Series 2015-HQ1, Class M3
4.791% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.80%),
3/25/25(j)

      3,380        3,666,643  

Series 2015-HQ2, Class B
8.941% (LIBOR 1 Month + 7.95%),
5/25/25(j)

      296        332,199  

Series 2015-HQA1, Class B
9.791% (LIBOR 1 Month + 8.80%),
3/25/28(j)

      9,165        10,364,075  

Series 2015-HQA1, Class M3
5.691% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.70%),
3/25/28(j)

      8,335        9,441,895  

Series 2015-HQA2, Class B
11.491% (LIBOR 1 Month + 10.50%),
5/25/28(j)

      6,982        8,545,054  

Series 2015-HQA2, Class M3
5.791% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.80%),
5/25/28(j)

      1,740        1,989,542  

Series 2016-DNA1, Class M3
6.541% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.55%),
7/25/28(j)

      7,042        8,123,013  

Series 2016-DNA2, Class B
11.491% (LIBOR 1 Month + 10.50%),
10/25/28(j)

      5,073        6,090,496  

Series 2016-DNA2, Class M3
5.641% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.65%),
10/25/28(j)

      3,862        4,272,870  

Series 2016-DNA3, Class B
12.241% (LIBOR 1 Month + 11.25%),
12/25/28(j)

      3,873        4,832,899  

Series 2016-DNA3, Class M3
5.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%),
12/25/28(j)

      1,998        2,259,037  

Series 2016-DNA4, Class B
9.591% (LIBOR 1 Month + 8.60%),
3/25/29(j)

      1,836        2,008,723  

Series 2016-DNA4, Class M3
4.791% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.80%),
3/25/29(j)

      2,224        2,362,644  

Series 2016-HQA1, Class B
13.741% (LIBOR 1 Month + 12.75%),
9/25/28(j)

      2,998        3,976,265  

 

42    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Series 2016-HQA1, Class M3
7.341% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.35%),
9/25/28(j)

    U.S.$       18,443      $ 22,211,356  

Series 2016-HQA2, Class B
12.491% (LIBOR 1 Month + 11.50%),
11/25/28(j)

      2,957        3,677,648  

Series 2017-DNA2, Class M2
4.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.45%),
10/25/29(j)

      9,201        9,388,126  

Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities
Series 2013-C01, Class M2
6.241% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.25%),
10/25/23(j)

      7,285        8,421,703  

Series 2014-C01, Class M2
5.391% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.40%),
1/25/24(j)

      9,535        10,724,586  

Series 2014-C03, Class 1M2
3.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%),
7/25/24(j)

      10,103        10,626,915  

Series 2014-C04, Class 1M2
5.891% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.90%),
11/25/24(j)

      23,605        26,928,896  

Series 2014-C04, Class 2M2
5.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%),
11/25/24(j)

      3,545        3,978,007  

Series 2015-C01, Class 1M2
5.291% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.30%),
2/25/25(j)

      20,452        22,327,319  

Series 2015-C01, Class 2M2
5.541% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%),
2/25/25(j)

      5,856        6,354,317  

Series 2015-C02, Class 1M2
4.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%),
5/25/25(j)

      5,420        5,874,241  

Series 2015-C02, Class 2M2
4.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%),
5/25/25(j)

      11,720        12,568,184  

Series 2015-C03, Class 1M2
5.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%),
7/25/25(j)

      20,274        22,491,193  

Series 2015-C03, Class 2M2
5.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%),
7/25/25(j)

      14,908        16,598,714  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    43


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Series 2015-C04, Class 1M2
6.691% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.70%),
4/25/28(j)

    U.S.$       13,295      $ 15,174,227  

Series 2015-C04, Class 2M2
6.541% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.55%),
4/25/28(j)

      7,247        8,171,050  

Series 2016-C01, Class 1B
12.741% (LIBOR 1 Month + 11.75%),
8/25/28(j)

      4,069        5,301,261  

Series 2016-C01, Class 1M2
7.741% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.75%),
8/25/28(j)

      11,933        14,324,411  

Series 2016-C01, Class 2M2
7.941% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.95%),
8/25/28(j)

      3,870        4,642,373  

Series 2016-C02, Class 1B
13.241% (LIBOR 1 Month + 12.25%),
9/25/28(j)

      2,900        3,881,210  

Series 2016-C02, Class 1M2
6.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.00%),
9/25/28(j)

      22,977        26,802,289  

Series 2016-C03, Class 1B
12.741% (LIBOR 1 Month + 11.75%),
10/25/28(j)

      7,144        9,316,938  

Series 2016-C03, Class 1M2
6.291% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.30%),
10/25/28(j)

      2,497        2,860,095  

Series 2016-C03, Class 2B
13.741% (LIBOR 1 Month + 12.75%),
10/25/28(j)

      4,793        6,451,316  

Series 2016-C03, Class 2M2
6.891% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.90%),
10/25/28(j)

      22,833        26,505,371  

Series 2016-C04, Class 1B
11.241% (LIBOR 1 Month + 10.25%),
1/25/29(j)

      10,778        13,043,278  

Series 2016-C04, Class 1M2
5.241% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%),
1/25/29(j)

      6,797        7,391,321  

Series 2016-C05, Class 2B
11.74% (LIBOR 1 Month + 10.75%),
1/25/29(j)

      11,318        13,707,234  

Series 2016-C05, Class 2M2
5.441% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.45%),
1/25/29(j)

      15,479        16,888,028  

 

44    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Series 2016-C06, Class 1B
10.241% (LIBOR 1 Month + 9.25%),
4/25/29(j)

    U.S.$       8,528      $ 9,507,994  

Series 2016-C07, Class 2B
10.491% (LIBOR 1 Month + 9.50%),
4/25/29(j)

      10,061        11,253,188  

Series 2016-C07, Class 2M2
5.341% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.35%),
4/25/29(j)

      4,949        5,318,461  

Series 2017-C02, Class 2M2
4.641% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.65%),
9/25/29(j)

      8,339        8,592,783  

JP Morgan Madison Avenue Securities Trust
Series 2015-CH1, Class M2
6.491% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.50%),
10/25/25(a)(j)

      7,776        8,284,998  

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust
Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2 6.241% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.25%), 11/25/25(e)(j)

      6,018        6,323,001  

Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2
6.491% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.50%), 11/25/25(e)(j)

      3,333        3,653,420  
      

 

 

 
         635,265,366  
      

 

 

 

Non-Agency Fixed Rate – 1.3%

      

Alternative Loan Trust
Series 2005-11CB, Class 2A7
5.50%, 6/25/35

      4,368        4,257,660  

Series 2005-46CB, Class A2
5.50%, 10/25/35

      238        223,059  

Series 2005-46CB, Class A20
5.50%, 10/25/35

      186        174,573  

Series 2005-46CB, Class A3
5.50%, 10/25/35

      581        544,982  

Series 2005-46CB, Class A4
5.25%, 10/25/35

      256        236,403  

Series 2005-46CB, Class A7
5.50%, 10/25/35

      451        422,554  

Series 2005-J14, Class A8
5.50%, 12/25/35

      3,601        3,032,889  

Series 2006-2CB, Class A11
6.00%, 3/25/36

      1,615        1,312,873  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    45


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Series 2006-19CB, Class A15
6.00%, 8/25/36

    U.S.$       590      $ 513,495  

Series 2006-19CB, Class A24
6.00%, 8/25/36

      379        330,082  

Series 2006-24CB, Class A15
5.75%, 6/25/36

      4,107        3,412,832  

Series 2006-24CB, Class A16
5.75%, 6/25/36

      785        652,511  

Series 2006-26CB, Class A6
6.25%, 9/25/36

      341        274,844  

Series 2006-26CB, Class A8
6.25%, 9/25/36

      1,287        1,038,608  

Series 2006-41CB, Class 2A13
5.75%, 1/25/37

      3,576        2,875,268  

Series 2006-42, Class 1A6
6.00%, 1/25/47

      1,566        1,316,669  

Series 2006-HY12, Class A5
3.018%, 8/25/36

      7,304        7,137,477  

Series 2006-J1, Class 1A10
5.50%, 2/25/36

      1,943        1,734,044  

Series 2006-J5, Class 1A1
6.50%, 9/25/36

      1,348        1,110,198  

Series 2007-13, Class A2
6.00%, 6/25/47

      5,179        4,424,331  

Series 2007-15CB, Class A19
5.75%, 7/25/37

      812        701,800  

Series 2007-16CB, Class 1A7
6.00%, 8/25/37

      1,001        980,328  

BCAP LLC Trust
Series 2009-RR13, Class 17A3
5.877%, 4/26/37(a)

      3,094        2,442,518  

Bear Stearns ARM Trust
Series 2007-3, Class 1A1
3.408%, 5/25/47

      1,413        1,326,283  

Series 2007-4, Class 22A1
4.471%, 6/25/47

      4,847        4,610,382  

BNPP Mortgage Securities LLC Trust
Series 2009-1, Class B1
6.00%, 8/27/37(a)

      4,623        3,549,208  

ChaseFlex Trust
Series 2007-1, Class 1A3
6.50%, 2/25/37

      818        586,787  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2006-4, Class 2A1A
6.00%, 12/25/35

      7,116        6,407,037  

 

46    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Series 2007-AR4, Class 1A1A
3.302%, 3/25/37

    U.S.$       1,105      $ 942,065  

CitiMortgage Alternative Loan Trust
Series 2007-A3, Class 1A4
5.75%, 3/25/37

      1,619        1,427,479  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust
Series 2006-17, Class A2
6.00%, 12/25/36

      3,528        3,047,717  

Series 2007-4, Class 1A39
6.00%, 5/25/37

      2,421        2,003,672  

Series 2007-HY4, Class 1A1
3.148%, 9/25/47

      1,554        1,433,440  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust
Series 2009-8R, Class 6A2
6.00%, 1/26/38(a)

      681        509,652  

Series 2010-9R, Class 1A5
4.00%, 8/27/37(a)

      3,558        3,500,223  

CSMC Mortgage-Backed Trust
Series 2006-7, Class 3A12
6.25%, 8/25/36

      2,129        1,774,515  

First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2006-AA3, Class A1
3.14%, 6/25/36

      1,258        1,023,229  

Series 2006-FA1, Class 1A3
5.75%, 4/25/36

      2,035        1,670,595  

Series 2006-FA3, Class A9
6.00%, 7/25/36

      1,586        1,289,487  

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2005-10, Class 4A1
5.50%, 12/25/35

      1,790        1,571,821  

Series 2007-12, Class 3A22
6.00%, 8/25/37

      476        395,719  

New Century Alternative Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2006-ALT2, Class AF6A
5.243%, 10/25/36

      7,348        4,358,405  

Nomura Resecuritization Trust
Series 2010-5RA, Class 1A7
6.50%, 10/26/37(a)

      7,008        5,776,714  

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. Trust
Series 2005-QA10, Class A31
4.11%, 9/25/35

      3,554        2,994,443  

Series 2005-QS14, Class 3A1
6.00%, 9/25/35

      2,666        2,505,341  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    47


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Residential Asset Securitization Trust
Series 2006-A8, Class 3A4
6.00%, 8/25/36

    U.S.$       965      $ 788,875  

Series 2007-A1, Class A8
6.00%, 3/25/37

      1,226        783,427  

Series 2007-A5, Class 2A3
6.00%, 5/25/37

      404        350,690  

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2006-9, Class 4A1
3.129%, 10/25/36

      1,388        1,233,161  

Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Trust
Series 2006-7, Class A4
4.386%, 9/25/36

      2,218        1,147,854  

Series 2006-9, Class A4
4.834%, 10/25/36

      2,297        1,129,542  

Wells Fargo Alternative Loan Trust
Series 2007-PA3, Class 3A1
6.25%, 7/25/37

      1,669        1,569,582  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust
Series 2007-10, Class 1A8
6.00%, 7/25/37

      1,503        1,481,797  

Series 2007-AR7, Class A1
3.156%, 12/28/37

      7,393        6,802,119  
      

 

 

 
         107,141,259  
      

 

 

 

Non-Agency Floating Rate – 0.2%

      

Alternative Loan Trust
Series 2007-7T2, Class A3
1.591% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.60%),
4/25/37(j)

      3,267        1,431,317  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2010-3, Class 2A2
6.00%, 8/25/37(a)(l)

      2,542        2,211,519  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust
Series 2007-13, Class A7
1.591% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.60%),
8/25/37(j)

      829        586,506  

First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2007-FA2, Class 1A10
1.241% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.25%),
4/25/37(j)

      1,939        909,511  

 

48    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Lehman Mortgage Trust
Series 2007-1, Class 3A1
1.241% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.25%),
2/25/37(j)

    U.S.$       3,001      $ 497,214  

Series 2007-1, Class 3A2
6.259% (7.25% – LIBOR 1 Month),
2/25/37(j)(r)

      3,001        995,822  

Lehman XS Trust
Series 2007-16N, Class 2A2
1.841% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.85%),
9/25/47(j)

      1,174        1,081,389  

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2006-9AR, Class A2
1.141% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.15%),
8/25/36(j)

      9,980        4,826,649  

PHH Alternative Mortgage Trust
Series 2007-1, Class 1A1
1.151% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.16%),
2/25/37(j)

      1,169        982,225  

Series 2007-2, Class 1A3
1.321% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.33%),
5/25/37(j)

      1,335        1,231,303  

Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Trust
Series 2007-AR6, Class A1
2.162% (12MTA + 1.50%),
8/25/47(j)

      2,859        2,597,453  
      

 

 

 
         17,350,908  
      

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(cost $694,872,060)

         759,757,533  
      

 

 

 
      

CORPORATES – INVESTMENT GRADE – 6.5%

      

Industrial – 3.2%

 

Basic – 0.4%

 

Braskem Finance Ltd.
6.45%, 2/03/24

      4,037        4,299,405  

FMG Resources (August 2006) Pty Ltd.
9.75%, 3/01/22(a)

      3,420        3,942,005  

Fresnillo PLC
5.50%, 11/13/23(a)

      3,774        4,113,660  

Glencore Finance Canada Ltd.
6.00%, 11/15/41(a)

      1,464        1,605,576  

Glencore Funding LLC
4.625%, 4/29/24(a)

      1,733        1,817,057  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    49


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Minsur SA
6.25%, 2/07/24(a)

    U.S.$       10,297      $ 11,053,284  

Mosaic Co. (The)
5.625%, 11/15/43

      1,170        1,209,442  

Southern Copper Corp.
7.50%, 7/27/35

      1,500        1,822,500  

WestRock MWV LLC
8.20%, 1/15/30

      2,940        4,044,473  
      

 

 

 
     33,907,402  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.2%

      

General Electric Co.
Series D
5.00%, 1/21/21(n)

      12,108        12,804,828  

Lafarge SA
7.125%, 7/15/36

      2,640        3,336,725  

Masco Corp.
5.95%, 3/15/22

      2,800        3,173,906  
      

 

 

 
         19,315,459  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Media – 0.5%

      

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital
4.464%, 7/23/22

      5,865        6,234,208  

4.908%, 7/23/25

      6,755        7,226,492  

6.484%, 10/23/45

      2,993        3,504,016  

Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc.
9.455%, 11/15/22

      2,500        3,370,525  

Cox Communications, Inc.
4.50%, 6/30/43(a)

      882        771,889  

4.70%, 12/15/42(a)

      1,692        1,513,612  

Viacom, Inc.
4.375%, 3/15/43

      18,000        15,972,336  
      

 

 

 
         38,593,078  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Telecommunications – 0.3%

      

AT&T, Inc.
5.45%, 3/01/47

      15,428        15,924,504  

Qwest Corp.
6.75%, 12/01/21

      1,000        1,107,265  

Sprint Spectrum Co. LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. II LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. III LLC
3.36%, 9/20/21(a)

      10,842        10,937,409  
      

 

 

 
         27,969,178  
      

 

 

 

 

50    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Automotive – 0.2%

      

General Motors Co.
5.20%, 4/01/45

    U.S.$       2,490      $ 2,417,675  

6.25%, 10/02/43

      852        936,989  

6.75%, 4/01/46

      7,041        8,249,278  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.
4.00%, 1/15/25

      3,873        3,902,590  
      

 

 

 
         15,506,532  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Entertainment – 0.1%

      

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
7.25%, 3/15/18

      1,000        1,044,783  

7.50%, 10/15/27

      3,000        3,889,683  
      

 

 

 
         4,934,466  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 0.1%

      

DR Horton, Inc.
4.75%, 5/15/17

      2,000        2,002,112  

Owens Corning
7.00%, 12/01/36(j)(l)

      4,450        5,559,963  

Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc.
6.535%, 10/01/20(a)

      2,425        2,456,632  
      

 

 

 
         10,018,707  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Retailers – 0.0%

      

AutoNation, Inc.
6.75%, 4/15/18

      349        364,966  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.0%

      

BRF SA
4.75%, 5/22/24(a)

      2,447        2,404,177  

Bunge Ltd. Finance Corp.
8.50%, 6/15/19

      332        374,921  
      

 

 

 
         2,779,098  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.8%

      

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
8.70%, 3/15/19

      2,000        2,235,490  

Cenovus Energy, Inc.
3.00%, 8/15/22

      495        486,774  

3.80%, 9/15/23

      280        281,682  

4.45%, 9/15/42

      4,289        3,695,295  

6.75%, 11/15/39

      373        417,420  

Ecopetrol SA
5.375%, 6/26/26

      1,886        1,924,663  

5.875%, 5/28/45

      6,355        5,819,909  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    51


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Energy Transfer Partners LP/old
7.60%, 2/01/24

    U.S.$       3,200      $ 3,661,299  

Husky Energy, Inc.
6.15%, 6/15/19

      5,000        5,402,710  

Kinder Morgan, Inc./DE
7.00%, 6/15/17

      275        276,741  

Series G
7.75%, 1/15/32

      2,969        3,758,600  

7.80%, 8/01/31

      2,662        3,377,788  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.
4.75%, 9/15/44

      437        402,613  

Nabors Industries, Inc.
5.50%, 1/15/23(a)

      7,354        7,440,388  

Regency Energy Partners LP/Regency Energy Finance Corp.
4.50%, 11/01/23

      2,301        2,393,983  

5.00%, 10/01/22

      971        1,035,870  

5.50%, 4/15/23

      5,015        5,221,663  

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.
6.35%, 5/15/67

      2,500        2,315,005  

Williams Partners LP
5.10%, 9/15/45

      4,227        4,314,321  

Williams Partners LP/ACMP Finance Corp.
4.875%, 5/15/23

      7,379        7,588,512  
      

 

 

 
         62,050,726  
      

 

 

 

Services – 0.1%

      

Verisk Analytics, Inc.
5.50%, 6/15/45

      4,150        4,530,447  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 0.5%

      

Activision Blizzard, Inc.
6.125%, 9/15/23(a)

      2        2,168  

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.
6.02%, 6/15/26(a)

      7,586        8,343,796  

8.35%, 7/15/46(a)

      2,793        3,613,514  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.
6.35%, 10/15/45(l)

      1,573        1,635,078  

Seagate HDD Cayman
4.75%, 1/01/25

      9,684        9,447,672  

4.875%, 6/01/27

      11,626        11,216,300  

Western Digital Corp.
7.375%, 4/01/23(a)

      5,989        6,549,055  
      

 

 

 
         40,807,583  
      

 

 

 

 

52    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Transportation - Airlines – 0.0%

      

America West Airlines Pass-Through Trust
Series 1999-1G, Class G
7.93%, 1/02/19

    U.S.$       648      $ 684,789  

Northwest Airlines Pass-Through Trust
Series 2000-1, Class G
7.15%, 10/01/19

      389        412,188  
      

 

 

 
         1,096,977  
      

 

 

 
         261,874,619  
      

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 2.8%

      

Banking – 1.1%

      

ABN AMRO Bank NV
Series E
6.25%, 4/27/22(a)

      1,122        1,268,658  

BNP Paribas SA
7.195%, 6/25/37(a)(n)

      6,900        7,675,429  

7.625%, 3/30/21(a)(n)

      873        952,206  

BPCE SA
5.70%, 10/22/23(a)

      241        261,149  

DNB Bank ASA
6.50%, 3/26/22(a)(n)

      11,090        11,821,851  

HSBC Holdings PLC
3.60%, 5/25/23

      3,652        3,750,834  

6.00%, 9/29/23(a)(n)

    EUR       6,152        7,401,955  

ICICI Bank Ltd./Dubai
4.80%, 5/22/19(a)

    U.S.$       5,980        6,240,776  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Series V
5.00%, 7/01/19(n)

      2,638        2,678,274  

Morgan Stanley
4.10%, 5/22/23

      10,912        11,333,280  

Nationwide Building Society
4.00%, 9/14/26(a)

      15,300        15,132,128  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)
Series R
4.85%, 6/01/23(n)

      3,888        3,906,254  

Regions Bank/Birmingham AL
6.45%, 6/26/37

      5,300        6,168,103  

Santander Bank NA
8.75%, 5/30/18

      3,800        4,060,118  

US Bancorp
Series J
5.30%, 4/15/27(n)

      4,924        5,103,628  
      

 

 

 
         87,754,643  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    53


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Brokerage – 0.2%

      

E*TRADE Financial Corp.
5.375%, 11/15/22

    U.S.$       4,281      $ 4,522,114  

GFI Group, Inc.
8.375%, 7/19/18

      2,367        2,513,766  

SUAM Finance BV
4.875%, 4/17/24(a)

      4,867        5,110,350  
      

 

 

 
         12,146,230  
      

 

 

 

Finance – 0.1%

      

International Lease Finance Corp.
5.875%, 4/01/19

      2,300        2,449,220  

8.25%, 12/15/20

      5,011        5,914,824  
      

 

 

 
         8,364,044  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 1.2%

      

Allstate Corp. (The)
6.50%, 5/15/57

      10,811        12,380,768  

American International Group, Inc.
6.82%, 11/15/37

      1,938        2,461,752  

8.175%, 5/15/58

      7,301        9,403,206  

Aon Corp.
8.205%, 1/01/27

      2,495        3,214,099  

Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings, Inc.
6.40%, 12/15/66(a)

      1,801        1,620,178  

Chubb Corp. (The)
3.408% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.25%),
4/15/37(j)

      10,937        10,813,456  

Lincoln National Corp.
8.75%, 7/01/19

      186        211,252  

MetLife Capital Trust IV
7.875%, 12/15/37(a)

      1,765        2,250,668  

MetLife, Inc.
6.40%, 12/15/36

      9,700        10,900,986  

10.75%, 8/01/39

      3,495        5,597,714  

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.
3.421% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.29%),
12/15/24(a)(j)

      5,000        4,968,015  

9.375%, 8/15/39(a)

      4,546        7,413,867  

Pacific Life Insurance Co.
9.25%, 6/15/39(a)

      3,000        4,714,356  

Prudential Financial, Inc.
5.625%, 6/15/43

      13,000        14,160,250  

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.
8.00%, 11/30/39

      2,836        3,706,837  

 

54    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

ZFS Finance USA Trust V
6.50%, 5/09/37(a)

    U.S.$       3,010      $ 3,010,632  
      

 

 

 
         96,828,036  
      

 

 

 

REITS – 0.2%

 

EPR Properties
5.75%, 8/15/22

      3,445        3,782,476  

7.75%, 7/15/20

      3,036        3,452,864  

Senior Housing Properties Trust
6.75%, 12/15/21

      4,500        5,041,017  

VEREIT Operating Partnership LP
4.875%, 6/01/26

      1,847        1,959,903  

Weyerhaeuser Co.
7.375%, 3/15/32

      3,308        4,428,453  

8.50%, 1/15/25

      1,000        1,314,562  
      

 

 

 
         19,979,275  
      

 

 

 
         225,072,228  
      

 

 

 

Utility – 0.5%

      

Electric – 0.5%

      

Consorcio Transmantaro SA
4.375%, 5/07/23(a)

      14,103        14,314,545  

EDP Finance BV
4.90%, 10/01/19(a)

      416        436,679  

Empresa de Energia de Bogota SA ESP
6.125%, 11/10/21(a)

      7,654        7,915,782  

Empresas Publicas de Medellin ESP
7.625%, 7/29/19(a)

      1,277        1,430,240  

FirstEnergy Corp.
Series C
7.375%, 11/15/31

      4,551        5,998,600  

Israel Electric Corp., Ltd.
Series 6
5.00%, 11/12/24(a)

      5,373        5,802,840  

PPL Capital Funding, Inc.
Series A
3.817% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.67%),
3/30/67(j)

      5,125        4,980,039  

Southern California Edison Co.
Series E
6.25%, 2/01/22(n)

      3,300        3,670,577  
      

 

 

 
         44,549,302  
      

 

 

 

Total Corporates – Investment Grade
(cost $484,785,927)

         531,496,149  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    55


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS – SOVEREIGNS – 5.5%

      

Angola – 0.2%

      

Angolan Government International Bond
9.50%, 11/12/25(a)

    U.S.$       12,366      $ 12,946,537  

Republic of Angola Via Northern Lights III BV
7.00%, 8/17/19(a)

      3,346        3,454,358  
      

 

 

 
     16,400,895  
      

 

 

 

Argentina – 1.2%

 

Argentine Republic Government International Bond
6.25%, 4/22/19

      5,009        5,297,018  

6.875%, 4/22/21-1/26/27

      56,063        59,431,267  

7.82%, 12/31/33

    EUR       24,935        29,267,078  
      

 

 

 
     93,995,363  
      

 

 

 

Bahrain – 0.1%

 

Bahrain Government International Bond
7.00%, 10/12/28(a)

    U.S.$       7,504        7,794,780  
      

 

 

 

Cameroon – 0.1%

 

Republic of Cameroon International Bond
9.50%, 11/19/25(a)

      7,229        8,222,988  
      

 

 

 

Croatia – 0.1%

 

Croatia Government International Bond
6.625%, 7/14/20(a)

      5,350        5,885,000  
      

 

 

 

Dominican Republic – 0.5%

 

Dominican Republic International Bond
5.95%, 1/25/27(a)

      9,637        10,082,711  

6.85%, 1/27/45(a)

      9,000        9,573,750  

6.875%, 1/29/26(a)

      652        726,980  

7.45%, 4/30/44(a)

      5,621        6,365,783  

8.625%, 4/20/27(a)

      12,151        14,490,067  
      

 

 

 
     41,239,291  
      

 

 

 

Ecuador – 0.1%

 

Ecuador Government International Bond
7.95%, 6/20/24(a)

      4,350        4,154,250  

9.65%, 12/13/26(a)

      2,405        2,447,088  

10.75%, 3/28/22(a)

      3,700        4,005,250  
      

 

 

 
     10,606,588  
      

 

 

 

 

56    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Egypt – 0.3%

 

Egypt Government International Bond
6.125%, 1/31/22(a)

    U.S.$       22,826      $ 23,767,572  
      

 

 

 

El Salvador – 0.1%

 

El Salvador Government International Bond
6.375%, 1/18/27(a)

      145        127,963  

7.375%, 12/01/19(a)

      1,495        1,498,737  

7.625%, 9/21/34(a)

      872        885,080  

7.65%, 6/15/35(a)

      263        238,673  

7.75%, 1/24/23(a)

      700        703,500  

8.625%, 2/28/29(a)

      759        766,590  
      

 

 

 
     4,220,543  
      

 

 

 

Ethiopia – 0.0%

 

Ethiopia International Bond
6.625%, 12/11/24(a)

      2,303        2,268,455  
      

 

 

 

Gabon – 0.2%

 

Gabon Government International Bond
6.375%, 12/12/24(a)

      14,182        13,893,234  

6.95%, 6/16/25(a)

      5,600        5,530,000  
      

 

 

 
     19,423,234  
      

 

 

 

Honduras – 0.1%

 

Honduras Government International Bond
6.25%, 1/19/27(a)

      10,233        10,616,737  
      

 

 

 

Iraq – 0.0%

 

Iraq International Bond
5.80%, 1/15/28(a)

      533        475,036  
      

 

 

 

Ivory Coast – 0.6%

 

Ivory Coast Government International Bond
5.75%, 12/31/32(a)

      26,454        25,462,090  

6.375%, 3/03/28(a)

      20,691        20,794,455  
      

 

 

 
     46,256,545  
      

 

 

 

Jamaica – 0.1%

 

Jamaica Government International Bond
7.625%, 7/09/25

      2,302        2,661,688  

7.875%, 7/28/45

      7,519        8,712,641  
      

 

 

 
     11,374,329  
      

 

 

 

Jordan – 0.1%

 

Jordan Government International Bond
5.75%, 1/31/27(a)

      4,536        4,479,300  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    57


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Kenya – 0.0%

 

Kenya Government International Bond
5.875%, 6/24/19(a)

    U.S.$       3,124      $ 3,233,340  
      

 

 

 

Lebanon – 0.0%

 

Lebanon Government International Bond
Series G
6.60%, 11/27/26(a)

      3,840        3,878,400  
      

 

 

 

Mongolia – 0.2%

 

Mongolia Government International Bond
5.125%, 12/05/22(a)

      14,564        13,908,620  
      

 

 

 

Nigeria – 0.0%

 

Nigeria Government International Bond
7.875%, 2/16/32(a)

      2,864        3,103,860  
      

 

 

 

Pakistan – 0.1%

 

Pakistan Government International Bond
7.25%, 4/15/19(a)

      7,468        7,893,676  
      

 

 

 

Serbia – 0.0%

 

Serbia International Bond
6.75%, 11/01/24(a)

      342        346,942  
      

 

 

 

Sri Lanka – 0.1%

 

Sri Lanka Government International Bond
6.00%, 1/14/19(a)

      3,825        3,958,875  

6.125%, 6/03/25(a)

      2,800        2,852,500  
      

 

 

 
     6,811,375  
      

 

 

 

Turkey – 0.6%

 

Turkey Government International Bond
4.875%, 10/09/26-4/16/43

      25,240        23,461,837  

5.625%, 3/30/21

      6,615        7,003,631  

6.00%, 3/25/27

      15,457        16,538,990  

7.375%, 2/05/25

      1,649        1,916,963  
      

 

 

 
     48,921,421  
      

 

 

 

Ukraine – 0.3%

 

Ukraine Government International Bond
7.75%, 9/01/23-9/01/27(a)

      21,758        20,939,988  
      

 

 

 

Venezuela – 0.3%

 

Venezuela Government International Bond
7.00%, 3/31/38(a)

      538        239,410  

 

58    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

7.65%, 4/21/25(a)

    U.S.$       6,636      $ 3,085,795  

9.25%, 9/15/27

      34,020        18,030,760  

9.25%, 5/07/28(a)

      1,500        712,500  

9.375%, 1/13/34

      5,472        2,653,859  
      

 

 

 
     24,722,324  
      

 

 

 

Zambia – 0.1%

 

Zambia Government International Bond
8.50%, 4/14/24(a)

      9,236        9,709,345  
      

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets – Sovereigns
(cost $433,190,647)

         450,495,947  
      

 

 

 
      

EMERGING MARKETS – TREASURIES – 5.3%

      

Argentina – 1.6%

 

Argentine Bonos del Tesoro
15.50%, 10/17/26

    ARS       401,373        28,851,147  

16.00%, 10/17/23

      595,534        41,503,177  

18.20%, 10/03/21

      701,137        49,634,439  

21.20%, 9/19/18

      216,687        14,370,330  
      

 

 

 
     134,359,093  
      

 

 

 

Brazil – 2.8%

 

Brazil Letras do Tesouro Nacional
Series LTN
Zero Coupon, 1/01/19

    BRL       99,500        27,008,495  

Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional
Series F
10.00%, 1/01/21-1/01/27

      636,150        199,089,120  
      

 

 

 
         226,097,615  
      

 

 

 

Dominican Republic – 0.4%

      

Dominican Republic International Bond
10.50%, 1/17/20(e)

    DOP       347,740        7,443,486  

12.00%, 1/20/22(e)

      347,740        7,563,363  

15.95%, 6/04/21(e)

      52,700        1,330,016  

16.00%, 7/10/20(e)

      563,400        13,744,248  
      

 

 

 
         30,081,113  
      

 

 

 

Turkey – 0.5%

      

Turkey Government Bond
10.60%, 2/11/26

    TRY       34,355        9,846,177  

11.00%, 2/24/27

      105,295        31,485,916  
      

 

 

 
         41,332,093  
      

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets – Treasuries
(cost $402,936,999)

         431,869,914  
      

 

 

 
      

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    59


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS – CORPORATE BONDS – 3.6%

      

Industrial – 3.1%

      

Basic – 0.5%

      

Consolidated Energy Finance SA
6.75%, 10/15/19(a)

    U.S.$       18,654      $ 19,048,346  

Elementia SAB de CV
5.50%, 1/15/25(a)

      2,208        2,249,400  

Petra Diamonds US Treasury PLC
7.25%, 5/01/22(a)

      2,899        3,028,785  

Samarco Mineracao SA
4.125%, 11/01/22(a)(f)(g)

      2,015        1,299,675  

5.375%, 9/26/24(a)(f)(g)

      900        576,000  

5.75%, 10/24/23(a)(f)(g)

      8,416        5,393,210  

Vedanta Resources PLC
6.375%, 7/30/22(a)

      12,566        12,723,075  
      

 

 

 
         44,318,491  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.3%

      

CIMPOR Financial Operations BV
5.75%, 7/17/24(a)

      7,640        6,707,920  

Ferreycorp SAA
4.875%, 4/26/20(a)

      2,131        2,152,084  

Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua SAB de CV
8.125%, 2/08/20(a)

      830        860,316  

Odebrecht Finance Ltd.
4.375%, 4/25/25(a)

      537        241,650  

5.25%, 6/27/29(a)

      9,173        4,007,454  

7.125%, 6/26/42(a)

      17,280        7,850,250  

8.25%, 4/25/18(a)

    BRL       5,903        1,134,459  
      

 

 

 
         22,954,133  
      

 

 

 

Communications -
Telecommunications – 0.7%

      

Columbus Cable Barbados Ltd.
7.375%, 3/30/21(a)

    U.S.$       18,972        20,323,755  

Comcel Trust via Comunicaciones Celulares SA
6.875%, 2/06/24(a)

      6,131        6,528,166  

Digicel Group Ltd.
7.125%, 4/01/22(a)

      1,134        946,890  

8.25%, 9/30/20(a)

      14,000        12,827,500  

Digicel Ltd.
6.00%, 4/15/21(a)

      3,750        3,562,500  

6.75%, 3/01/23(a)

      3,270        3,098,325  

Millicom International Cellular SA
6.00%, 3/15/25(a)

      2,963        3,118,558  

 

60    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

MTN Mauritius Investment Ltd.
6.50%, 10/13/26(a)

    U.S.$       5,701      $ 5,864,904  
      

 

 

 
         56,270,598  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical -
Entertainment – 0.1%

      

Silversea Cruise Finance Ltd.
7.25%, 2/01/25(a)

      9,700        10,279,730  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 0.2%

      

Servicios Corporativos Javer SAB de CV
9.875%, 4/06/21(a)

      2,594        2,683,442  

Studio City Co., Ltd.
5.875%, 11/30/19(a)

      5,102        5,350,722  

Wynn Macau Ltd.
5.25%, 10/15/21(a)

      8,100        8,292,375  
      

 

 

 
         16,326,539  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical -
Retailers – 0.0%

      

K2016470219 (South Africa) Ltd.
3.00%, 12/31/22(a)(d)

      4,785        497,485  

K2016470260 (South Africa) Ltd.
25.00%, 12/31/22(a)(d)

      1,100        1,483,717  
      

 

 

 
         1,981,202  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.4%

      

Central American Bottling Corp.
5.75%, 1/31/27(a)

      5,759        6,105,116  

Marfrig Holdings Europe BV
6.875%, 6/24/19(a)

      5,432        5,637,465  

8.00%, 6/08/23(a)

      4,150        4,383,396  

Minerva Luxembourg SA
6.50%, 9/20/26(a)

      10,492        10,373,860  

Tonon Luxembourg SA
7.25%, 1/24/20(d)(e)(f)(g)

      6,585        724,390  

USJ Acucar e Alcool SA
9.875% (9.875% Cash or 12.00% PIK), 11/09/21(a)(d)

      1,415        1,140,612  

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance SA
10.50%, 1/28/18(e)(f)(g)

      13,674        1,076,828  

10.875%, 1/13/20(e)(f)(g)

      2,500        675,000  

11.75%, 2/09/22(e)(f)(g)

      13,613        1,072,024  
      

 

 

 
         31,188,691  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.5%

      

CHC Group LLC/CHC Finance Ltd.
Series AI
Zero Coupon, 10/01/20(b)(h)

      14,659        22,721,163  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    61


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Petrobras Global Finance BV
5.375%, 1/27/21

    U.S.$       8,624      $ 8,859,866  

6.125%, 1/17/22

      5,208        5,446,006  

6.85%, 6/05/15

      2,958        2,604,519  

8.375%, 5/23/21

      5,310        5,996,397  
      

 

 

 
         45,627,951  
      

 

 

 

Other Industrial – 0.0%

      

Grupo KUO SAB De CV
6.25%, 12/04/22(a)

      696        717,924  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 0.1%

      

IHS Netherlands Holdco BV
9.50%, 10/27/21(a)

      4,200        4,362,750  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Airlines – 0.2%

      

TAM Capital 3, Inc.
8.375%, 6/03/21(a)

      12,957        13,361,906  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Services – 0.1%

      

Rumo Luxembourg Sarl
7.375%, 2/09/24(a)

      5,242        5,435,954  
      

 

 

 
         252,825,869  
      

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 0.5%

      

Banking – 0.4%

      

Akbank TAS
7.20%, 3/16/27(a)

      4,012        4,237,675  

Banco do Brasil SA/Cayman
9.00%, 6/18/24(a)(n)

      8,303        8,751,362  

Turkiye Vakiflar Bankasi TAO
5.50%, 10/27/21(a)

      5,964        6,001,275  

8.00%, 11/01/27(a)

      12,500        13,000,000  
      

 

 

 
         31,990,312  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 0.0%

      

XLIT Ltd.
Series E
3.616% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.46%),
6/12/17(j)(n)

      3,254        2,767,026  
      

 

 

 

Other Finance – 0.1%

      

Guanay Finance Ltd.
6.00%, 12/15/20(a)

      3,951        4,023,876  
      

 

 

 
         38,781,214  
      

 

 

 

 

62    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Utility – 0.0%

      

Electric – 0.0%

      

AES El Salvador Trust II
6.75%, 3/28/23(a)

    U.S.$       1,220      $ 1,105,625  
      

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets – Corporate Bonds
(cost $315,506,440)

         292,712,708  
      

 

 

 
      

BANK LOANS – 2.9%

      

Industrial – 2.7%

      

Basic – 0.2%

      

Berry Global Group, Inc. (fka Berry Plastics Corporation)
3.239% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.25%),
1/06/21(s)

      5,056        5,082,425  

FMG Resources (August 2006) Pty LTD (FMG America Finance, Inc.)
3.75% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.75%),
6/30/19(s)

      3,682        3,705,508  

Foresight Energy LLC
6.75% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.75%),
3/28/22(s)

      4,170        4,025,343  

Magnetation LLC
12.00%, 3/07/17(b)(c)(d)(o)

      17,605        – 0  – 

Unifrax I LLC
4.90% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.75%),
4/04/24(s)

      3,350        3,355,594  
      

 

 

 
         16,168,870  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.2%

      

Avolon TLB Borrower 1 (US) LLC
3.743% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.75%),
3/21/22(s)

      6,972        7,073,385  

Gardner Denver, Inc.
4.25%-4.57% (LIBOR 6 Month + 3.25%), 7/30/20(s)

      5,356        5,351,305  

GFL Environmental Inc.
3.897% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.75%),
9/29/23(s)

      2,301        2,310,708  

Transdigm Inc.
3.993% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%),
6/09/23(s)

      2,345        2,342,154  

Welbilt, Inc. (fka Manitowoc Foodservice, Inc.)
4.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.00%),
3/03/23(s)

      589        594,386  
      

 

 

 
         17,671,938  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    63


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Consumer Cyclical -
Automotive – 0.0%

      

Navistar, Inc.
5.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.00%),
8/07/20(s)

    U.S.$       3,560      $ 3,602,942  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical -
Entertainment – 0.1%

      

ClubCorp Club Operations, Inc.
4.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.00%),
12/15/22(s)

      2,264        2,275,478  

Seaworld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (fka SW Acquisitions Co., Inc.)
4.147% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.00%),
4/01/24(s)

      4,944        4,931,167  
      

 

 

 
         7,206,645  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 0.2%

      

La Quinta Intermediate Holdings L.L.C.
3.908% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.75%),
4/14/21(s)

      8,210        8,273,928  

Scientific Games International, Inc.
4.994% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%),
10/01/21(s)

      5,014        5,086,578  
      

 

 

 
         13,360,506  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Retailers – 0.4%

      

Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation
3.75% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.75%),
8/13/21(s)

      579        580,511  

Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.
4.243% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.25%),
8/18/23(s)

      2,045        2,038,596  

J.C. Penney Corporation, Inc.
5.304% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.25%),
6/23/23(s)

      6,859        6,846,111  

Michaels Stores, Inc.
3.75% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.75%),
1/30/23(s)

      2,498        2,492,867  

Neiman Marcus Group Inc., The
4.25% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.25%),
10/25/20(s)

      1,337        1,064,932  

Rite Aid Corporation
5.75% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.75%), 8/21/20(s)

      3,000        3,004,680  

Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC
9.038% (LIBOR 3 Month + 8.00%),
11/08/24(s)

      15,912        16,110,900  
      

 

 

 
         32,138,597  
      

 

 

 

 

64    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.5%

      

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.
3.98% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%), 2/11/22(s)

    U.S.$       513      $ 513,188  

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.
3.98% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%), 2/16/23(s)

      2,559        2,559,144  

Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc.
5.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.00%), 4/28/22(s)

      3,752        3,737,581  

Arbor Pharmaceuticals, LLC
6.147% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.00%),
7/05/23(s)

      7,265        7,396,753  

DJO Finance LLC
4.25% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.25%),
6/08/20(s)

      4,937        4,818,693  

Immucor, Inc. (fka IVD Acquisition Corporation)
5.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.75%),
8/17/18(s)

      5,247        5,225,522  

Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A.
3.897% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.75%),
9/24/24(s)

      6,297        6,293,371  

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Holdings Luxembourg SARL
4.75% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.75%),
6/30/21(s)

      3,920        3,898,604  

Vizient, Inc.
5.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.00%),
2/13/23(s)

      2,519        2,526,462  
      

 

 

 
         36,969,318  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.2%

      

California Resources Corporation
11.375% (LIBOR 3 Month + 10.38%),
12/31/21(s)

      12,618        13,863,544  

Chesapeake Energy Corporation
8.553% (LIBOR 3 Month + 7.50%),
8/23/21(s)

      4,080        4,405,135  
      

 

 

 
         18,268,679  
      

 

 

 

Other Industrial – 0.1%

      

Travelport Finance (Luxembourg) SARL
4.289% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.25%),
9/02/21(s)

      9,736        9,805,454  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    65


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Services – 0.1%

      

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.
3.75% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.75%),
3/01/21(s)

    U.S.$       5,163      $ 5,164,751  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 0.7%

      

Avaya Inc.
6.417% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.25%),
5/29/20(c)(f)(g)(t)

      24,285        20,247,272  

6.67% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.50%),
3/31/18(c)(s)

      371        308,061  

8.50% (LIBOR 3 Month + 7.50%),
1/24/18(c)(s)

      2,738        2,808,270  

Conduent Incorporated
6.486% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.50%),
12/07/23(s)

      1,509        1,534,376  

Smart Modular Technologies (Global), Inc.
9.25% (LIBOR 3 Month + 8.00%),
8/26/17(c)(s)

      4,114        3,990,229  

Solera, LLC (Solera Finance, Inc.)
4.25% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.25%),
3/03/23(s)

      13,934        14,028,864  

Veritas US Inc.
6.772% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.63%),
1/27/23(s)

      12,128        12,057,413  
      

 

 

 
         54,974,485  
      

 

 

 
         215,332,185  
      

 

 

 

Utility – 0.1%

      

Electric – 0.1%

      

Energy Future Intermediate Holding Company LLC (EFIH Finance Inc.)
4.304% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.25%),
6/30/17(s)

      9,316        9,361,053  
      

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 0.1%

      

Insurance – 0.1%

      

Hub International Limited
4.035% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.00%),
10/02/20(s)

      4,343        4,363,501  
      

 

 

 

Other Finance – 0.0%

      

iPayment, Inc.
4/06/23(t)

      3,695        3,708,856  
      

 

 

 
         8,072,357  
      

 

 

 

Total Bank Loans
(cost $244,381,258)

         232,765,595  
      

 

 

 
      

 

66    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 1.7%

      

Non-Agency Fixed Rate
CMBS – 1.6%

      

225 Liberty Street Trust
Series 2016-225L, Class E
4.804%, 2/10/36(a)

    U.S.$       5,344      $ 5,222,868  

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2007-3, Class AJ
5.85%, 6/10/49

      8,320        8,368,369  

Banc of America Re-REMIC Trust
Series 2009-UB1, Class A4B
5.90%, 6/24/50(b)(e)

      1,362        1,367,334  

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage
Securities Trust
Series 2006-PW13, Class AJ
5.611%, 9/11/41

      192        191,383  

Series 2007-T26, Class AJ
5.566%, 1/12/45

      1,550        1,502,443  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2013-GC11, Class XA
1.949%, 4/10/46(u)

      11,346        588,614  

Series 2015-GC31, Class D
4.199%, 6/10/48

      1,416        1,081,944  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates
Series 2012-CR3, Class XA
2.229%, 10/15/45(u)

      57,152        4,144,020  

Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2012-CR1, Class XA
2.062%, 5/15/45(u)

      20,396        1,578,125  

Series 2012-CR5, Class XA
1.879%, 12/10/45(u)

      11,458        726,576  

Series 2012-LC4, Class XA
2.388%, 12/10/44(a)(u)

      30,657        2,446,221  

Series 2013-LC6, Class XA
1.811%, 1/10/46(u)

      62,370        3,249,850  

Series 2014-CR15, Class XA
1.432%, 2/10/47(u)

      12,819        563,448  

Series 2014-CR20, Class XA
1.328%, 11/10/47(u)

      53,587        3,215,635  

Series 2014-LC15, Class D
5.109%, 4/10/47(a)

      8,500        7,208,792  

Series 2014-LC17, Class D
3.687%, 10/10/47(a)

      7,603        5,285,370  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    67


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Series 2014-UBS5, Class D
3.495%, 9/10/47(a)

    U.S.$       3,542      $ 2,592,897  

Series 2015-DC1, Class D
4.498%, 2/10/48(a)

      4,500        3,712,232  

DBUBS Mortgage Trust
Series 2011-LC2A, Class D
5.727%, 7/10/44(a)

      2,500        2,648,445  

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II
Series 2013-GC10, Class XA
1.735%, 2/10/46(u)

      4,836        335,191  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2011-GC5, Class C
5.566%, 8/10/44(a)

      7,937        8,520,866  

Series 2013-GC13, Class D
4.201%, 7/10/46(a)

      1,500        1,370,102  

Series 2014-GC18, Class D
5.11%, 1/10/47(a)

      4,503        3,846,148  

Series 2014-GC20, Class D
5.02%, 4/10/47(a)

      995        764,471  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2012-CBX, Class D
5.388%, 6/15/45(a)

      5,000        5,076,786  

Series 2012-CBX, Class E
5.388%, 6/15/45(a)

      6,521        6,519,283  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2015-C32, Class C
4.818%, 11/15/48

      5,050        4,851,025  

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2006-C1, Class AJ
5.276%, 2/15/41(l)

      1,404        1,405,044  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust
Series 2012-C6, Class XA
2.126%, 11/15/45(a)(u)

      40,439        2,431,833  

Series 2014-C19, Class D
3.25%, 12/15/47(a)

      4,130        3,268,413  

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2012-C4, Class XA
1.893%, 12/10/45(a)(u)

      3,706        257,480  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2014-LC18, Class D
3.957%, 12/15/47(a)

      5,000        4,047,661  

 

68    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

         

Principal

Amount

(000)

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2012-C6, Class D
5.761%, 4/15/45(a)

    U.S.$       3,450      $ 3,486,218  

Series 2012-C7, Class XA
1.634%, 6/15/45(a)(u)

      7,473        421,862  

Series 2012-C8, Class E
5.063%, 8/15/45(a)

      6,905        6,638,663  

Series 2014-C20, Class D
3.986%, 5/15/47(a)

      10,906        8,376,977  

Series 2014-C21, Class D
3.497%, 8/15/47(a)

      10,000        7,625,273  

Series 2014-C23, Class D
4.137%, 10/15/57(a)

      13,722        10,873,172  
      

 

 

 
         135,811,034  
      

 

 

 

Non-Agency Floating Rate
CMBS – 0.1%

      

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust
Series 2015-MS1, Class D
4.164%, 5/15/48(a)(l)

      2,790        2,341,540  

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2011-C4, Class D
5.415%, 6/15/44(a)(l)

      2,576        2,659,557  
      

 

 

 
         5,001,097  
      

 

 

 

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(cost $145,708,330)

 

     140,812,131  
      

 

 

 
          Shares         

PREFERRED STOCKS – 1.4%

      

Industrial – 1.0%

      

Basic – 0.1%

      

Peabody Energy Corp.
8.50%(c)(f)

      143,581        7,896,955  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.6%

      

Tervita Corp.
0.00%(b)(c)(f)

      7,165,266        51,834,733  
      

 

 

 

Communications -
Telecommunications – 0.1%

      

Centaur Funding Corp.
9.08%(a)

      6,280        7,290,687  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.1%

      

Berry Petroleum Co. LLC
0.00%(b)(c)(f)

      538,628        7,271,478  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    69


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        

    

    

Shares

     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Services – 0.1%

      

iPayment Holdings, Inc.
0.00%(f)

      61,912      $ 6,191,200  
      

 

 

 
         80,485,053  
      

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 0.4%

      

Banking – 0.3%

      

GMAC Capital Trust I
6.824%

      51,850        1,320,101  

Morgan Stanley
5.85%

      635,775        16,771,744  

Santander Finance Preferred SAU
6.80%

      67,000        1,735,367  

US Bancorp
Series F
6.50%

      175,125        5,138,168  
      

 

 

 
         24,965,380  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 0.1%

      

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)
7.875%

      102,401        3,168,287  

XLIT Ltd.
Series D
4.278% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.12%)(j)

      3,750        3,244,922  
      

 

 

 
         6,413,209  
      

 

 

 

REITS – 0.0%

      

Hersha Hospitality Trust
6.875%

      64,000        1,615,360  

Sovereign Real Estate Investment Trust
12.00%(a)

      501        623,119  
      

 

 

 
         2,238,479  
      

 

 

 
         33,617,068  
      

 

 

 

Utility – 0.0%

      

Electric – 0.0%

      

SCE Trust III
5.75%

      60,000        1,698,000  
      

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks
(cost $95,754,625)

         115,800,121  
      

 

 

 

 

70    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES – 1.2%

      

Brazil – 0.8%

      

Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional
Series B
6.00%, 5/15/45-8/15/50

    BRL       62,125      $ 64,011,295  
      

 

 

 

Colombia – 0.2%

      

Fideicomiso PA Costera
6.25%, 1/15/34(a)

    COP       7,580,000        2,602,243  

Fideicomiso PA Pacifico Tres
7.00%, 1/15/35(e)

      36,247,335        12,659,462  
      

 

 

 
         15,261,705  
      

 

 

 

Mexico – 0.2%

      

Mexican Udibonos
Series S
4.00%, 11/30/28

    MXN       241,214        13,801,363  

4.50%, 12/04/25

      117,119        6,812,385  
      

 

 

 
         20,613,748  
      

 

 

 

Total Inflation-Linked Securities
(cost $88,357,686)

         99,886,748  
      

 

 

 
          Shares         

COMMON STOCKS – 1.2%

      

Financials – 0.5%

      

Insurance – 0.4%

      

Mt. Logan Re Ltd. (Preference Shares)(f)(h)(v)(w)

      12,695        13,014,805  

Mt. Logan Re Ltd. (Preference Shares)(f)(h)(w)(x)

      25,000        25,070,175  
      

 

 

 
         38,084,980  
      

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services – 0.1%

      

iPayment, Inc.(f)

      10,243,837        6,556,056  
      

 

 

 
         44,641,036  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.5%

      

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.5%

      

Berry Petroleum Co. LLC(c)(f)

      651,423        7,491,364  

CHC Group LLC(b)(f)(h)

      255,317        2,936,145  

Halcon Resources Corp.(f)

      67,837        454,508  

Linn Energy, Inc.(f)

      138,471        3,881,342  

Peabody Energy Corp.(f)

      430,034        10,927,164  

Peabody Energy Corp.(b)(c)(f)

      20,062        509,575  

SandRidge Energy, Inc.(f)

      141,947        2,614,664  

Tervita Corp.(b)(c)(f)

      125,625        908,792  

Vantage Drilling International(c)(f)

      30,215        4,985,475  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    71


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Whiting Petroleum Corp.(f)

      323,999      $ 2,689,192  
      

 

 

 
         37,398,221  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary – 0.1%

      

Automobiles – 0.0%

      

Liberty Tire Recycling LLC(b)(c)(f)

      128,591        – 0  – 
      

 

 

 

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 0.1%

      

Travelport Worldwide Ltd.

      543,898        7,163,137  
      

 

 

 

Auto Components – 0.0%

      

Exide Technologies(b)(f)(h)

      332,502        249,376  
      

 

 

 

Multiline Retail – 0.0%

      

K201640219 (South Africa) Ltd. A Shares(b)(c)(f)

      64,873,855        65  

K201640219 (South Africa) Ltd. B Shares(b)(c)(f)

      10,275,684        10  
      

 

 

 
         75  
      

 

 

 
         7,412,588  
      

 

 

 

Industrials – 0.1%

      

Building Products – 0.0%

      

New Cotai LLC/New Cotai Capital Corp.(b)(c)(f)

      13        142,155  
      

 

 

 

Machinery – 0.1%

      

Modular Space Corp.(b)(e)

      518,216        6,736,808  
      

 

 

 
         6,878,963  
      

 

 

 

Materials – 0.0%

      

Metals & Mining – 0.0%

      

Neenah Enterprises, Inc.(b)(c)(f)

      49,578        111,055  
      

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $131,439,491)

         96,441,863  
      

 

 

 
          Principal
Amount
(000)
        

QUASI-SOVEREIGNS – 0.6%

      

Quasi-Sovereign Bonds – 0.6%

      

Indonesia – 0.2%

      

Majapahit Holding BV
7.875%, 6/29/37(a)

    U.S.$       5,600        7,216,440  

Pertamina Persero PT
6.00%, 5/03/42(a)

      720        764,100  

Perusahaan Listrik Negara PT
5.25%, 10/24/42(a)

      11,216        11,107,653  
      

 

 

 
         19,088,193  
      

 

 

 

 

72    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Kazakhstan – 0.1%

      

KazMunayGas National Co. JSC
4.40%, 4/30/23(a)

    U.S.$       6,200      $ 6,238,750  
      

 

 

 

Mexico – 0.2%

      

Petroleos Mexicanos
4.625%, 9/21/23

      6,359        6,395,882  

5.375%, 3/13/22(a)

      3,805        3,985,738  

5.50%, 1/21/21

      4,910        5,204,600  
      

 

 

 
     15,586,220  
      

 

 

 

Venezuela – 0.1%

      

Petroleos de Venezuela SA
6.00%, 11/15/26(a)

      5,000        1,897,500  

9.75%, 5/17/35(a)

      4,449        2,113,131  
      

 

 

 
         4,010,631  
      

 

 

 

Total Quasi-Sovereigns
(cost $43,689,867)

         44,923,794  
      

 

 

 
      

WHOLE LOAN TRUSTS – 0.5%

      

Performing Asset – 0.5%

      

Alpha Credit Debt Fund LLC
15.00%, 12/31/17(b)(c)

      531        531,452  

16.00%, 1/01/21(b)(c)

    MXN       104,444        5,548,088  

Deutsche Bank Mexico SA
8.00%, 10/31/34(b)(c)(l)

      38,926        1,323,366  

8.00%, 10/31/34(b)(c)

      82,812        2,815,343  

Finalam, S.A. de C.V.
17.25%, 8/06/19(b)(c)

      32,624        1,732,966  

Flexpath Wh I LLC
Series B
11.00%, 4/01/21(b)(c)

    U.S.$       3,103        2,513,679  

Series B2
11.00%, 1/01/22(b)(c)

      4,510        3,833,094  

Series B3
11.00%, 9/01/22(b)(c)

      474        417,665  

13.00%, 10/23/20(b)(c)

      4,295        3,603,466  

Recife Funding
Zero Coupon, 11/05/29(b)(c)

      9,586        8,082,900  

Sheridan Auto Loan Holdings I LLC
10.00%, 12/31/20(b)(c)

      2,669        1,749,696  

Sheridan Auto Loan Holdings I LLC
10.00%, 9/30/21(b)(c)

      6,350        5,470,482  

Sheridan Consumer Finance Trust
10.86%, 3/01/21(b)(c)

      6,946        6,485,168  
      

 

 

 

Total Whole Loan Trusts
(cost $52,657,350)

         44,107,365  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    73


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS – REGIONAL BONDS – 0.5%

      

Argentina – 0.5%

      

Provincia de Buenos Aires/Argentina
5.75%, 6/15/19(a)

    U.S.$       8,149      $ 8,413,842  

9.125%, 3/16/24(a)

      23,904        27,071,280  

Provincia de Cordoba
7.125%, 6/10/21(a)

      4,503        4,750,665  

12.375%, 8/17/17(a)

      2,185        2,245,088  
      

 

 

 

Total Local Governments – Regional Bonds
(cost $38,725,349)

         42,480,875  
      

 

 

 
      

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – 0.3%

      

Home Equity Loans - Fixed Rate – 0.1%

      

CSAB Mortgage-Backed Trust
Series 2006-2, Class A6A
5.72%, 9/25/36

      1,025        603,810  

CWABS Asset-Backed Certificates Trust
Series 2005-7, Class AF5W
5.054%, 10/25/35

      2,108        2,090,491  

GSAA Home Equity Trust
Series 2005-12, Class AF5
5.659%, 9/25/35

      1,877        1,579,143  

Series 2006-10, Class AF3
5.985%, 6/25/36

      1,700        871,849  

Series 2006-6, Class AF4
6.121%, 3/25/36

      4,120        2,071,856  

Series 2006-6, Class AF5
6.241%, 3/25/36

      3,333        1,624,691  

Lehman XS Trust
Series 2006-17, Class WF32
5.55%, 11/25/36

      675        661,099  

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2006-15XS, Class A3
5.988%, 11/25/36

      1,603        723,287  

Series 2007-8XS, Class A2
6.00%, 4/25/37

      5,043        2,920,741  
      

 

 

 
         13,146,967  
      

 

 

 

Autos - Fixed Rate – 0.1%

      

CPS Auto Receivables Trust
Series 2017-B, Class E
5.75%, 12/15/23(a)

      2,055        2,054,602  

 

74    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust
Series 2016-1A, Class D
8.20%, 2/15/23(a)

    U.S.$       3,890      $ 4,144,365  
      

 

 

 
         6,198,967  
      

 

 

 

Other ABS - Fixed Rate – 0.1%

      

Taco Bell Funding LLC
Series 2016-1A, Class A23
4.97%, 5/25/46(a)

      4,728        4,925,044  
      

 

 

 

Home Equity Loans - Floating Rate – 0.0%

      

Lehman XS Trust
Series 2007-6, Class 3A5
4.924%, 5/25/37(l)

      423        627,510  
      

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(cost $26,386,467)

         24,898,488  
      

 

 

 
      

COLLATERALIZED LOAN
OBLIGATIONS – 0.2%

      

CLO - Floating Rate – 0.2%

      

ALM XII Ltd.
Series 2015-12A, Class D
6.658% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.50%),
4/16/27(a)(j)

      5,985        5,951,598  

Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd.
Series 2014-3A, Class D1
6.137% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.10%),
7/27/26(a)(j)

      1,000        996,314  

Series 2016-1A, Class C
6.056% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.90%),
4/20/27(a)(j)

      1,800        1,825,618  

OZLM VIII Ltd.
Series 2014-8A, Class D
6.108% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.95%),
10/17/26(a)(j)

      3,450        3,365,899  

Tryon Park CLO Ltd.
Series 2013-1A, Class D
5.42% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.40%),
7/15/25(a)(j)

      2,750        2,645,307  
      

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations
(cost $13,275,047)

         14,784,736  
      

 

 

 
      

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    75


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS – US MUNICIPAL BONDS – 0.1%

      

United States – 0.1%

      

State of California
Series 2010
7.60%, 11/01/40

    U.S.$       1,200      $ 1,802,256  

7.625%, 3/01/40

      1,250        1,848,075  

7.95%, 3/01/36

      2,235        2,579,302  

State of Illinois
Series 2010
7.35%, 7/01/35

      4,120        4,313,310  
      

 

 

 

Total Local Governments – US Municipal Bonds
(cost $8,856,482)

         10,542,943  
      

 

 

 
      

GOVERNMENTS – SOVEREIGN
BONDS – 0.1%

      

Indonesia – 0.0%

      

Indonesia Government International Bond
8.50%, 10/12/35(a)

      1,645        2,358,519  
      

 

 

 

Romania – 0.1%

      

Romanian Government International Bond
4.875%, 1/22/24(a)

      6,000        6,532,500  
      

 

 

 

Total Governments – Sovereign Bonds
(cost $7,813,469)

         8,891,019  
      

 

 

 
          Contracts         

OPTIONS PURCHASED – CALLS – 0.1%

      

Options on Forward Contracts – 0.1%

      

RUB/USD
Expiration: Jun 2017,
Exercise Price: RUB 57.20(f)(y)

      2,230,800,000        596,448  

RUB/USD
Expiration: Jun 2017,
Exercise Price: 57.20(f)(y)

      2,230,800,000        596,447  

TRY/USD
Expiration: Jun 2017,
Exercise Price: TRY 3.70(f)(y)

      143,151,300        1,414,969  

 

76    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Contracts
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

ZAR/USD
Expiration: Jul 2017,
Exercise Price: ZAR 13.25(f)(y)

      1,583,375,000      $ 2,219,894  
      

 

 

 

Total Options Purchased – Calls
(premiums paid $3,763,710)

         4,827,758  
      

 

 

 
          Shares         

WARRANTS – 0.0%

      

Encore Automotive Acceptance,
expiring 7/05/31(b)(c)(f)

      44        – 0  – 

FairPoint Communications, Inc.,
expiring 1/24/18(c)(f)

      6,740        67  

Flexpath Capital, Inc.,
expiring 4/15/31(b)(c)(f)

      189,795        – 0  – 

iPayment Holdings, Inc.,
expiring 12/29/22(b)(c)(f)

      1,515,784        803,366  

Midstates Petroleum Co., Inc.,
expiring 4/21/20(b)(c)(f)

      259,925        1,169,663  

Peabody Energy Corp.,
expiring 7/03/17(b)(c)(f)

      20,146        511,708  

Peabody Energy Corp.,
expiring 7/03/17(b)(c)(f)

      1,142        29,007  

SandRidge Energy, Inc., A-CW22,
expiring 10/04/22(f)

      302,868        302,868  

SandRidge Energy, Inc., B-CW22,
expiring 10/04/22(f)

      130,363        73,003  

Smart Modular Technologies, Inc.,
expiring 11/05/21(b)(c)(f)

      88,048        – 0  – 

Smart Modular Technologies, Inc.,
expiring 11/05/22(b)(c)(f)

      110,060        – 0  – 
      

 

 

 

Total Warrants
(cost $4,527,301)

         2,889,682  
      

 

 

 
          Contracts         

OPTIONS PURCHASED – PUTS – 0.0%

      

Options on Forward Contracts – 0.0%

      

EUR/JPY/AUD
Expiration: Jun 2017,
Exercise Price: EUR 1.00(f)(y)

      319,280,000        19,476  

JPY/EUR
Expiration: May 2017,
Exercise Price: JPY 121.35(f)(y)

      4,550,625,000        463,778  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    77


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Contracts
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

JPY/EUR
Expiration: May 2017,
Exercise Price: JPY 121.35(f)(y)

      9,095,182,500      $ 926,938  
      

 

 

 
         1,410,192  
      

 

 

 

Options on Funds and Investment Trusts – 0.0%

      

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF
Expiration: May 2017,
Exercise Price: $ 60.00(f)(y)

      2,097,800        193,281  

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF
Expiration: May 2017,
Exercise Price: $ 60.00(f)(y)

      2,097,800        193,281  

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
Expiration: May 2017,
Exercise Price: $ 37.00(f)(y)

      9,565,900        305,257  

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
Expiration: May 2017,
Exercise Price: $ 37.00(f)(z)

      37,201        130,203  
      

 

 

 
         822,022  
      

 

 

 

Options on Indices – 0.0%

      

S&P 500 Index 3M5Y
Expiration: Jul 2017,
Exercise Price: $ 2,303.75(f)(y)

      215,200,000        136,222  

S&P 500 Index 3M5Y
Expiration: Jul 2017,
Exercise Price: $ 2,303.75(f)(y)

      380,000,000        240,540  
      

 

 

 
         376,762  
      

 

 

 

Total Options Purchased – Puts
(premiums paid $7,639,683)

         2,608,976  
      

 

 

 
          Shares         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 4.4%

      

Investment Companies – 3.5%

      

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.57%(aa)(ab)
(cost $284,756,833)

      284,756,833        284,756,833  
      

 

 

 

 

78    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

GOVERNMENTS – SOVEREIGN BONDS – 0.4%

     

Egypt – 0.4%

     

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings, Inc./United States
Series E
Zero Coupon, 1/25/18-3/08/18(a)

    EGP       288,593     $ 13,835,920  

Series G
Zero Coupon, 1/25/18(a)

      313,900       15,251,192  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments – Sovereign Bonds
(cost $28,083,165)

        29,087,112  
     

 

 

 

Time Deposits – 0.4%

     

ANZ, London
0.50%, 5/01/17

    AUD       1,169       875,698  

Barclays, London
0.42%, 5/01/17

    U.S.$       16,410       16,409,955  

BBH, Grand Cayman
(0.95)%, 5/02/17

    SEK       – 0  –**      6  

(0.22)%, 5/01/17

    JPY       62,721       562,642  

0.005%, 5/02/17

    HKD       12,946       1,664,403  

0.01%, 5/02/17

    SGD       8       5,498  

0.05%, 5/01/17

    CAD       – 0  –**      1  

0.05%, 5/02/17

    NOK       838       97,633  

DNB, Oslo
(0.575)%, 5/02/17

    EUR       594       646,882  

Sumitomo, Tokyo
0.05%, 5/02/17

    GBP       5,979       7,744,524  
     

 

 

 

Total Time Deposits
(cost $27,985,818)

        28,007,242  
     

 

 

 
     

CORPORATES – INVESTMENT GRADE – 0.1%

     

Financial Institutions – 0.1%

     

Banking – 0.1%

     

HSBC Bank PLC
Zero Coupon, 11/02/17
(cost $6,557,441)

    EGP       129,050       6,538,295  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $347,383,257)

        348,389,482  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments – 100.8%
(cost $8,126,186,741)

        8,215,741,718  

Other assets less liabilities – (0.8)%

        (66,611,553
     

 

 

 

Net Assets – 100.0%

      $ 8,149,130,165  
     

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    79


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

Type   Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Month
    Original
Value
    Value at
April 30,
2017
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased Contracts

 

Euro STOXX
50 Index
Futures

    556        June 2017     $ 20,179,592     $ 21,248,669     $ 1,069,077  

U.S. T-Note
5 Yr (CBT)
Futures

    2,810        June 2017           330,306,550           332,721,562       2,415,012  

Sold Contracts

 

Euro-OAT
Futures

    1,262        June 2017       202,803,618       205,984,537       (3,180,919

U.S. Long Bond (CBT) Futures

    1,018        June 2017       152,731,813       155,722,188       (2,990,375

U.S. T-Note
10 Yr (CBT)
Futures

    573        June 2017       71,257,922       72,036,844       (778,922
          

 

 

 
           $     (3,466,127
          

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver (000)
     In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Australia and
New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

  NOK     203,904      USD     23,716       5/11/17     $ (35,536

Australia and
New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

  CNH         1,437,418      USD     207,371       5/15/17           (737,966

Australia and
New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

  USD     69,788      CNY         481,250       5/25/17       (178,760

Australia and
New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

  AUD     156,269      USD     118,001       7/10/17       1,129,594  

Bank of America, NA

  MXN     815,480      USD     43,049       6/16/17       67,786  

Bank of America, NA

  USD     39,452      MXN     739,204       6/16/17       (490,471

Bank of America, NA

  CAD     106,598      USD     79,147       6/22/17       994,466  

Bank of America, NA

  USD     30,906      RUB     1,752,193       6/22/17       (489,015

Bank of America, NA

  ZAR     843,392      USD     61,413       7/10/17       (946,719

Barclays Bank PLC

  NOK     9,266      USD     1,109       5/11/17       29,331  

Barclays Bank PLC

  KRW     45,619,222      USD     40,198       5/18/17       92,086  

BNP Paribas SA

  GBP     33,724      USD     41,278       5/18/17       (2,421,430

BNP Paribas SA

  USD     85,598      GBP     66,745       5/18/17       891,125  

BNP Paribas SA

  USD     24,509      IDR         328,991,000       5/19/17       131,414  

BNP Paribas SA

  USD     79,096      TRY     285,040       6/08/17       280,662  

BNP Paribas SA

  USD     45,611      CHF     45,858       6/14/17       607,750  

BNP Paribas SA

  USD     38,323      CLP     25,045,149       6/14/17       (878,483

BNP Paribas SA

  USD     19,425      PEN     63,306       6/14/17       (4,666

BNP Paribas SA

  USD     78,005      MXN     1,489,934       6/16/17       524,717  

 

80    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver (000)
     In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

BNP Paribas SA

  USD     2,917      ARS     52,896       7/05/17     $ 412,837  

Citibank, NA

  GBP     71,187      USD     86,946       5/18/17       (5,298,102

Citibank, NA

  USD     7,715      GBP     5,979       5/18/17       33,222  

Citibank, NA

  IDR         67,643,842      USD     5,033       5/19/17       (33,394

Citibank, NA

  TRY     139,627      EUR     34,714       6/08/17       (995,331

Citibank, NA

  TWD     1,210,315      USD     39,676       6/13/17       (459,841

Citibank, NA

  CHF     116,217      USD     116,168       6/14/17       (961,575

Citibank, NA

  USD     160,793      INR     10,537,270       6/15/17       2,320,579  

Citibank, NA

  CAD     75,599      USD     56,515       6/22/17       1,089,641  

Citibank, NA

  EUR     340,515      USD     362,255       7/13/17           (10,063,675

Credit Suisse International

  USD     7,439      ZAR     96,183       5/03/17       (242,454

Credit Suisse International

  NOK     326,365      USD     38,130       5/11/17       113,905  

Credit Suisse International

  NOK     333,798      USD     38,835       5/11/17       (46,850

Credit Suisse International

  AUD     26,156      CAD     26,159       5/12/17       (415,248

Credit Suisse International

  ZAR     151,574      USD     11,286       5/24/17       (9,088

Credit Suisse International

  USD     21,672      TRY     82,900       6/16/17       1,359,516  

Credit Suisse International

  RUB     1,199,368      USD     20,346       6/20/17       (483,948

Credit Suisse International

  USD     7,243      TRY     27,453       9/22/17       174,123  

Credit Suisse International

  USD     7,420      TRY     28,951       12/21/17       209,278  

Deutsche Bank AG

  BRL     636,291      USD     201,965       5/03/17       1,551,274  

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD     198,940      BRL     636,291       5/03/17       1,473,403  

Deutsche Bank AG

  RUB     1,188,149      USD     20,155       6/20/17       (479,421

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD     8,554      EUR     7,961       7/13/17       150,800  

Deutsche Bank AG

  TRY     26,964      USD     7,339       7/26/17       (66,243

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  ZAR     96,183      USD     7,439       5/04/17       243,725  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  JPY     4,585,156      USD     40,022       5/11/17       (1,123,221

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD     77,263      TRY     292,941       6/08/17       4,314,623  

HSBC Bank USA

  SEK     20,264      USD     2,264       5/11/17       (24,729

HSBC Bank USA

  ZAR     356,616      USD     28,231       5/24/17       1,655,588  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  CAD     26,159      AUD     26,156       5/12/17       415,171  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  MXN     221,587      USD     11,802       6/16/17       122,688  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  TRY     82,900      USD     21,672       6/16/17       (1,359,319

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD     7,339      TRY     26,868       7/26/17       40,038  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD     15,778      ZAR     207,946       7/26/17       (445,042

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  ZAR     207,946      USD     15,778       7/26/17       445,056  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  TRY     27,453      USD     7,243       9/22/17       (174,007

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  TRY     28,951      USD     7,420       12/21/17       (209,237

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

  NZD     163,284      USD     113,630       7/10/17       1,714,405  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

  USD     201,390      BRL     636,291       5/03/17       (975,966

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    81


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver (000)
     In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    BRL       636,291        USD       198,940       5/03/17     $ (1,473,403

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    JPY       6,551,714        USD       58,817       5/11/17       24,553  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    USD       57,884        JPY       6,394,861       5/11/17       (498,946

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    BRL       636,291        USD       199,812       6/02/17       1,028,856  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    USD       82,559        COP       238,967,000       6/14/17       (1,892,756

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    EUR       1,718        USD       1,828       7/13/17       (49,943
            

 

 

 
             $   (10,322,573
            

 

 

 

PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description    Contracts      Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Month
     Premiums
Received
     U.S. $ Value  

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF(y)

     2,097,800      $     57.00        May 2017      $ 388,093      $ (56,044

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF(y)

     2,097,800        57.00        May 2017        356,626        (56,045

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF(z)

     37,201        36.50        May 2017        519,198        (111,603

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF(y)

     9,565,900        36.50        May 2017        1,434,885        (211,110
           

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $     2,698,802      $     (434,802
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description   Counterparty     Buy/Sell
Protection
    Strike
Rate
    Expiration
Month
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Premiums
Received
    Market
Value
 

Call – CDX-NAHY Series 28, 5 Year Index

   
Goldman Sachs
International
 
 
    Sell       107.00     May, 2017     $   40,146     $ 157,573     $ (255,053

Put – CDX-NAHY Series 28, 5 Year Index

   
Goldman Sachs
International
 
 
    Sell       106.50       May, 2017       40,146       264,964       (61,932
           

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $   422,537     $   (316,985
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

CURRENCY OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description   Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
    Contracts
(000)
    Premiums
Received
    U.S. $ Value  

Call – CHF vs. EUR

  CHF 1.044       5/04/17     CHF 74,326     $     376,484     $ (4,631

Call – CHF vs. EUR

  CHF 1.040       5/05/17         74,734       455,355       (5,708

Call – GBP vs. EUR

  GBP 0.846       5/22/17     GBP 61,186       465,710       (850,972

Call – JPY vs. CAD

  JPY 76.000       9/27/17     JPY 3,982,400       298,752       (311,590

Call – JPY vs. EUR

  JPY 115.000       5/18/17       4,191,750       241,076       (29,744

Call – JPY vs. EUR

  JPY 112.000       5/22/17       4,200,000       301,679       (19,554

Call – JPY vs. EUR

  JPY 112.000       5/22/17       8,394,400       574,317       (39,082

 

82    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Description    Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
    Contracts
(000)
    Premiums
Received
    U.S. $ Value  

Call – TRY vs. USD

   TRY 3.600       5/12/17     TRY 140,220     $ 169,043     $ (604,234

Put – BRL vs. USD

   BRL 3.335       5/31/17     BRL 134,651       277,780       (187,507

Put – CAD vs. AUD

   CAD 1.013       5/10/17     CAD 107,946       260,838       (836,020

Put – CAD vs. USD

   CAD 1.387       5/30/17       56,035       143,218       (127,254

Put – CNH vs. USD

   CNH 7.082       6/13/17     CNH 551,688       303,810       (35,037

Put – KRW vs. USD

   KRW  1,167.000       5/17/17     KRW   46,796,700       242,605       (120,169

Put – KRW vs. USD

   KRW   1,178.100       5/18/17       47,241,810       286,715       (85,483

Put – NOK vs. EUR

   NOK 9.100       5/04/17     NOK 648,694       392,634           (2,131,184

Put – NZD vs. AUD

   NZD 1.150       9/14/17     NZD 117,933       380,959       (175,953

Put – RUB vs. USD

   RUB 62.200       6/19/17     RUB 2,425,800       427,050       (118,629

Put – RUB vs. USD

   RUB 62.200       6/19/17       2,425,800       424,281       (118,629

Put – RUB vs. USD

   RUB   77.616       10/16/17         3,003,739       1,196,217       (71,811

Put – TRY vs. USD

   TRY  4.050       6/15/17     TRY  156,735       532,129       (30,624

Put – TRY vs. USD

   TRY  3.860       7/25/17       154,979       421,976       (348,140

Put – TRY vs. USD

   TRY  4.100       9/21/17       160,515       716,445       (361,028

Put – TRY vs. USD

   TRY  4.300       12/20/17       167,915       956,725       (560,623

Put – ZAR vs. USD

   ZAR  13.505       5/02/17     ZAR  528,721       309,285       (108,761

Put – ZAR vs. USD

   ZAR  14.750       7/06/17       1,762,625       1,825,960       (814,721

Put – ZAR vs. USD

   ZAR  14.050       7/24/17       1,131,025       1,029,595       (1,564,118
        

 

 

   

 

 

 
         $     13,010,638     $     (9,661,206
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Clearing Broker/(Exchange)
& Referenced Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
April 30,
2017
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts

         

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc./INTRCONX

         

iTraxx Europe Crossover Series 23, 5 Year Index, 6/20/20*

    (5.00 )%      1.56   EUR    22,398     $ (2,708,246   $     (1,388,610

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/INTRCONX

         

CDX-NAHY Series 27, 5 Year Index, 12/20/21*

    (5.00     3.01     $ 214,280       (18,733,607     (3,344,423

Sale Contracts

         

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc./INTRCONX

         

CDX-NAHY Series 21, 5 Year Index, 12/20/18*

    5.00       1.46       27,978       1,765,532       1,078,767  

CDX-NAIG Series 20, 5 Year Index, 6/20/18*

    1.00       0.09       51,660       599,578       378,802  

iTraxx Europe Crossover Series 21, 5 Year Index, 6/20/19*

    5.00       0.57     EUR  4       487       154  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/INTRCONX

         

CDX-NAHY Series 28, 5 Year Index, 6/20/22*

    5.00       3.28     $ 6,174       505,471       96,588  

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    83


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Clearing Broker/(Exchange)
& Referenced Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
April 30,
2017
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

iTraxx Europe Crossover Series 23, 5 Year Index, 6/20/20*

    5.00     1.56   EUR  22,398     $ 2,711,635     $ 986,527  

iTraxx Europe Crossover Series 27, 5 Year Index, 6/20/22*

    5.00       2.66       80,611           10,072,245       1,997,535  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ (5,786,905   $ (194,660
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Termination date

CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                Rate Type        
Clearing Broker
/(Exchange)
  Notional
Amount
(000)
    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the Fund
    Payments
received
by the
Fund
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/(CME Group)

  CAD     303,955       11/14/21       3 Month CDOR       1.323%     $ 429,068  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/(CME Group)

    303,955       11/15/21       3 Month CDOR       1.318%       376,713  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/(CME Group)

  EUR 364,390       3/17/22       0.259%       6 Month EURIBOR           (1,939,105

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/(CME Group)

  $ 215,190       3/17/22       3 Month LIBOR       2.227%       3,238,336  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/(CME Group)

  CAD   61,033       11/14/46       2.223%       3 Month CDOR       493,823  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/(CME Group)

    61,047       11/15/46       2.234%       3 Month CDOR       380,130  
         

 

 

 
        $     2,978,965  
         

 

 

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty
& Referenced
Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
April 30,
2017
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts

           

Barclays Bank PLC

           

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 6.875%, 11/15/31, 6/20/17*

    (5.00 )%      0.70   $   18,869     $   (223,905   $   (88,138   $   (135,767

 

84    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Swap Counterparty
& Referenced
Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
April 30,
2017
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts

           

Barclays Bank PLC

           

CCO Holdings, LLC, 7.250%, 10/30/17, 6/20/19*

    5.00     0.34   $ 6,192     $ 648,461     $ 297,556     $ 350,905  

K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., 7.000%, 1/15/19, 9/20/20*

    5.00       17.04       2,917       (838,535     (564,105     (274,430

K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., 7.000%, 1/15/19, 9/20/20*

    5.00       17.04       7,293       (2,096,481     (1,408,086     (688,395

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 6.875%, 11/15/31, 6/20/19*

    5.00       2.58       12,770       710,284       466,425       243,859  

Citibank, NA

           

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 7, 1/17/47*

    3.00       4.53       5,000       (402,001     (59,895     (342,106

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 7, 1/17/47*

    3.00       4.53       25,000       (2,010,000     (282,951     (1,727,049

Credit Suisse International

 

       

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       547       (102,818     (85,918     (16,900

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       1,368       (257,138     (214,873     (42,265

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       1,368       (257,709     (209,565     (48,144

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       2,735       (515,228     (418,563     (96,665

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       14,000       (2,631,533     (1,946,750     (684,783

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       15,000       (2,823,667     (1,863,139     (960,528

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       15,000       (2,819,500     (1,788,240     (1,031,260

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 7, 1/17/47*

    3.00       4.53       5,000       (402,000     (111,351     (290,649

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    85


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Swap Counterparty
& Referenced
Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
April 30,
2017
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 7, 1/17/47*

    3.00     4.53   $ 5,000     $ (402,000   $ (91,459   $ (310,541

Deutsche Bank AG

           

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       5.54       2,395       (266,723     (297,875     31,152  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

           

CDX-NAIG Series 9, 10 Year Index, 12/20/17*

    5.00       0.16       5,700       213,132       (111,150     324,282  

K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., 7.000%, 1/15/19, 9/20/20*

    5.00       17.04       3,110       (894,016     (565,736     (328,280

Nine West Holdings, Inc., 6.875%, 3/15/19, 3/20/19*

    5.00       58.78       12,590       (8,417,250     158,176       (8,575,426

Goldman Sachs International

           

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC, 5.250%, 3/15/25, 6/20/22*

    5.00       4.65       11,500       243,601       788,086       (544,485

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       17,700       (3,327,010     (3,659,012     332,002  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       20,000       (3,759,333     (3,686,757     (72,576

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       643       (121,130     (95,868     (25,262

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       1,368       (257,708     (213,745     (43,963

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       1,368       (257,708     (213,745     (43,963

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       1,368       (257,709     (211,359     (46,350

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       12,300       (2,311,990     (2,138,556     (173,434

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       5,000       (941,917     (694,657     (247,260

 

86    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Swap Counterparty
& Referenced
Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
April 30,
2017
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00     9.75   $ 5,000     $ (941,916   $ (690,195   $ (251,721

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       5,000       (941,917     (685,729     (256,188

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       10,000       (1,883,834     (1,380,391     (503,443

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       8,871       (1,669,957     (1,101,887     (568,070

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       5,000       (941,917     (119,635     (822,282

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       10,000       (1,883,833     (213,023     (1,670,810

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    5.00       9.75       10,000       (1,883,834     (210,394     (1,673,440

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       5.54       4,740       (527,877     (542,935     15,058  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       5.54       2,370       (263,939     (248,371     (15,568

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       5.54       1,185       (131,969     (112,674     (19,295

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       5.54       2,370       (263,939     (229,523     (34,416

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       5.54       2,443       (272,069     (218,854     (53,215

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       5.54       14,221       (1,583,745     (1,303,831     (279,914

United States Steel Corp., 6.650%, 6/01/37, 12/20/21*

    5.00       5.08       4,590       (7,644     (343,789     336,145  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

           

Bombardier, Inc., 7.450%, 5/01/34, 6/20/21*

    5.00       3.21       5,000       363,959       208,461       155,498  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $   (47,613,962   $   (26,504,020   $   (21,109,942
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Termination date

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    87


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

TOTAL RETURN SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  # of Shares
or Units
    Rate Paid/
Received
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Receive Total Return on Reference Obligation

 

 

Citibank, NA

         

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    103,953       LIBOR     $   26,638       6/20/17     $   495,255  

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    68,723       LIBOR       17,782       6/20/17       155,623  

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    27,514       LIBOR       7,071       6/20/17       110,448  

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    34,164       LIBOR       8,840       6/20/17       77,365  

Goldman Sachs International

         

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    147,321       LIBOR       37,880       6/20/17       572,979  

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    156,933       LIBOR       40,420       6/20/17       541,711  

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    104,355       LIBOR       27,028       6/20/17       210,226  

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    102,227       LIBOR       26,515       6/20/17       167,607  

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    68,152       LIBOR       17,677       6/20/17       111,740  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

         

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    66,036       LIBOR       17,095       6/20/17       141,284  

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    39,892       LIBOR       10,327       6/20/17       85,349  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

 

       

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    47,048       LIBOR         12,103       6/20/17       177,103  

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    31,999       LIBOR       8,219       6/20/17       133,254  

iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index

    32,986       LIBOR       8,535       6/20/17       74,697  
         

 

 

 
          $   3,054,641  
         

 

 

 

VARIANCE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Volatility
Strike
Price
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
(Paid)
Received
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts

         

Barclays Bank PLC

         

iShares Russell 2000 Index 5/5/17*

    13.00   $ 514     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ – 0  – 

Deutsche Bank AG

         

S&P 500 Index 5/5/17*

    8.45           1,140       226,031       – 0  –      226,031  

Goldman Sachs International

         

PowerShares QQQ Trust, Series 1 5/5/17*

    9.65       561       75,990       – 0  –      75,990  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $     302,021     $     – 0  –    $     302,021  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Termination date

REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS (see Note D)

 

Broker   Principal
Amount
(000)
    Currency     Interest Rate     Maturity     U.S. $
Value at
April 30, 2017
 

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    9,063       USD       (5.50 )%*      5/02/17     $     9,007,118  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    3,852       USD       (3.00 )%*      5/04/17       3,849,273  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    3,520       USD       (7.00 )%*            3,515,893  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    3,693       USD       (7.00 )%*            3,689,051  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    2,512       USD       (4.00 )%*            2,509,909  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    499       USD       (3.00 )%*            498,689  

 

88    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Broker   Principal
Amount
(000)
    Currency     Interest Rate     Maturity     U.S. $
Value at
April 30, 2017
 

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    2,038       USD       (3.00 )%*          $ 2,035,462  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    2,405       USD       (3.00 )%*            2,403,913  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    2,465       USD       (3.00 )%*            2,463,902  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    4,080       USD       (3.00 )%*            4,077,620  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    1,071       USD       (2.75 )%*            1,066,662  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    6,026       USD       (2.25 )%*            6,007,735  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    2,029       USD       (2.00 )%*            2,027,560  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    1,443       USD       (1.50 )%*            1,442,468  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    3,039       USD       (1.00 )%*            3,038,134  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    3,149       USD       (1.00 )%*            3,145,652  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    4,733       USD       (1.00 )%*            4,728,010  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    2,691       USD       (0.50 )%*            2,690,918  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    5,345       USD       (0.25 )%*            5,342,771  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    1,741       USD       0.00           1,741,174  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    2,940       USD       0.00           2,940,333  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    3,701       USD       0.00           3,701,250  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    1,920       USD       0.25           1,920,653  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    1,952       USD       0.25           1,952,560  

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    4,677       GBP       (4.00 )%*      5/05/17       6,035,762  

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    4,894       USD       (1.00 )%*      5/03/17       4,892,255  

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    526       EUR       (1.50 )%*            571,000  

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    2,722       EUR       (1.25 )%*            2,958,724  

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    2,780       USD       (1.00 )%*            2,779,228  

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

    2,161       USD       (0.25 )%*            2,159,524  

ING Financial Markets LLC

    679       USD       0.00     5/01/17       679,000  

ING Financial Markets LLC

    990       USD       0.25           990,234  

ING Financial Markets LLC

    2,175       USD       0.25           2,176,353  

Jefferies & Company, Inc.

    3,812       USD       (0.10 )%*            3,810,780  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

    2,691       USD       0.25           2,691,392  

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.

    20,588       USD       1.05     7/13/17       20,598,308  
         

 

 

 
          $     126,139,270  
         

 

 

 

 

The reverse repurchase agreement matures on demand. Interest rate resets daily and the rate shown is the rate in effect on April 30, 2017

 

* Interest payment due from counterparty.

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    89


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

The type of underlying collateral and the remaining maturity of open reverse repurchase agreements is as follows:

 

     Overnight
and
Continuous
    Up to 30 Days     31-90 Days     Greater than
90 Days
    Total  

Corporates – Non-Investment Grade

  $ 81,077,554     $ 24,463,408     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 105,540,962  

Governments – Treasuries

    – 0  –      – 0  –      20,598,308       – 0  –      20,598,308  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $   81,077,554     $   24,463,408     $   20,598,308     $   – 0  –    $   126,139,270  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

** Principal amount less than 500.

 

(a) Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At April 30, 2017, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $2,491,980,141 or 30.6% of net assets.

 

(b) Fair valued by the Adviser.

 

(c) Illiquid security.

 

(d) Pay-In-Kind Payments (PIK). The issuer may pay cash interest and/or interest in additional debt securities. Rates shown are the rates in effect at April 30, 2017.

 

(e) Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 1.34% of net assets as of April 30, 2017, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows:

 

144A/Restricted &
Illiquid Securities
  Acquisition
Date
    Cost     Market
Value
    Percentage of
Net Assets
 

Artsonig Pty Ltd.
11.50%, 4/01/19

    3/13/14     $ 11,351,337     $ 511,106       0.01

Avaya, Inc.
10.50%, 3/01/21

    7/25/13       10,750,111       3,754,328       0.05

Banc of America Re-REMIC Trust Series 2009-UB1, Class A4B
5.90%, 6/24/50

    10/06/09       1,069,457       1,367,334       0.02

Bellemeade Re II Ltd. Series 2016-1A, Class M2B
7.491%, 4/25/26

    4/29/16           21,264,120           21,833,522       0.27

Bellemeade Re II Ltd. Series 2016-1A, Class B1
12.991%, 4/25/26

    4/29/16       2,330,884       2,534,301       0.03

Bellemeade Re Ltd. Series 2015-1A, Class M2
5.291%, 7/25/25

    7/27/15       5,897,819       6,018,389       0.07

Creditcorp
12.00%, 7/15/18

    6/28/13       6,190,361       5,336,300       0.07

Dominican Republic International Bond
10.50%, 1/17/20

    1/23/15       7,768,711       7,443,486       0.09

Dominican Republic International Bond
12.00%, 1/20/22

    1/23/15       7,884,308       7,563,363       0.09

 

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

144A/Restricted &
Illiquid Securities
  Acquisition
Date
    Cost     Market
Value
    Percentage of
Net Assets
 

Dominican Republic International Bond
15.95%, 6/04/21

    1/11/13     $ 1,469,658     $ 1,330,016       0.02

Dominican Republic International Bond
16.00%, 7/10/20

    12/14/10       15,674,248       13,744,248       0.17

Exide Technologies
7.00%, 4/30/25

    11/10/16       452,010       394,887       0.00

Fideicomiso PA Pacifico Tres
7.00%, 1/15/35

    3/04/16       10,603,492       12,659,462       0.16

Golden Energy Offshore Services AS
5.00%, 12/31/17

    5/14/14       5,209,084       1,565,454       0.02

Liberty Tire Recycling LLC
11.00%, 3/31/21

    9/23/10       2,777,654       1,380,422       0.02

Magnetation LLC/Mag Finance Corp.
11.00%, 5/15/18

    5/15/13       12,955,187       1,612       0.00

Modular Space Corp.

    2/23/17       7,676,909       6,736,808       0.08

Tonon Luxembourg SA
7.25%, 1/24/20

    1/16/13       6,562,439       724,390       0.01

Vantage Drilling International
10.00%, 12/31/20

    2/10/16       408,332       418,070       0.01

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance SA
10.50%, 1/28/18

    10/19/12       2,931,444       321,458       0.00

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance SA
10.50%, 1/28/18

    2/24/14       5,618,897       755,370       0.01

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance SA
10.875%, 1/13/20

    6/09/14       2,486,550       675,000       0.01

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance SA
11.75%, 2/09/22

    7/26/12       11,383,331       1,072,024       0.01

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2
6.241%, 11/25/25

    9/06/16       6,098,866       6,323,001       0.08

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2
6.491%, 11/25/25

    9/28/15       3,332,630       3,653,420       0.04

 

(f) Non-income producing security.

 

(g) Defaulted.

 

(h) Restricted and illiquid security.

 

Restricted & Illiquid
Securities
  Acquisition
Date
    Cost     Market
Value
    Percentage of
Net Assets
 

CHC Group LLC,

    3/10/17     $     18,385,445     $     2,936,145       0.04

CHC Group LLC/CHC Finance Ltd. Series AI
10/01/2020

    3/10/17       9,227,875       22,721,163       0.28

Exide Technologies Series AI
11.00%, 04/30/2020

    4/30/15       22,741,497       18,515,463       0.23

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    91


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Restricted & Illiquid
Securities
  Acquisition
Date
    Cost     Market
Value
    Percentage of
Net Assets
 

Exide Technologies

    4/30/15     $ 630,678     $ 249,376       0.00

Momentive Performance Materials, Inc.
9.00%, 10/15/2020

    10/11/12       10       – 0  –      0.00

Mt. Logan Re Ltd. (Preference Shares)

    4/01/15       25,000,000       25,070,175       0.31

Mt. Logan Re Ltd. (Preference Shares)

    12/30/14       12,695,000       13,014,805       0.16

 

(i) Convertible security.

 

(j) Floating Rate Security. Stated interest/floor rate was in effect at April 30, 2017.

 

(k) Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize reverse repurchase agreements.

 

(l) Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of April 30, 2017.

 

(m) Coupon rate adjusts periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at April 30, 2017.

 

(n) Securities are perpetual and, thus, do not have a predetermined maturity date. The date shown, if applicable, reflects the next call date.

 

(o) Defaulted matured security.

 

(p) Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize margin requirements for open futures contracts.

 

(q) Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize OTC derivatives outstanding.

 

(r) Inverse interest only security.

 

(s) The stated coupon rate represents the greater of the LIBOR or the LIBOR floor rate plus a spread at April 30, 2017.

 

(t) This position or a portion of this position represents an unsettled loan purchase. The coupon rate will be determined at the time of settlement and will be based upon the London-Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a premium which was determined at the time of purchase.

 

(u) IO – Interest Only.

 

(v) Effective prepayment date of April 2017.

 

(w) The security is subject to a 12 month lock-up period, after which semi-annual redemptions are permitted.

 

(x) Effective prepayment date of December 2016.

 

(y) One contract relates to 1 share.

 

(z) One contract relates to 100 shares.

 

(aa) To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at
(800) 227-4618.

 

(ab) Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end.

Currency Abbreviations:

ARS – Argentine Peso

AUD – Australian Dollar

BRL – Brazilian Real

CAD – Canadian Dollar

CHF – Swiss Franc

CLP – Chilean Peso

CNH – Chinese Yuan Renminbi (Offshore)

CNY – Chinese Yuan Renminbi

COP – Colombian Peso

DOP – Dominican Peso

EGP – Egyptian Pound

 

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

EUR – Euro

GBP – Great British Pound

HKD – Hong Kong Dollar

IDR – Indonesian Rupiah

INR – Indian Rupee

JPY – Japanese Yen

KRW – South Korean Won

MXN – Mexican Peso

NOK – Norwegian Krone

NZD – New Zealand Dollar

PEN – Peruvian Sol

RUB – Russian Ruble

SEK – Swedish Krona

SGD – Singapore Dollar

TRY – Turkish Lira

TWD – New Taiwan Dollar

USD – United States Dollar

ZAR – South African Rand

Glossary:

12MTA – 12 Month Treasury Average

ABS – Asset-Backed Securities

CBT – Chicago Board of Trade

CDOR – Canadian Dealer Offered Rate

CDX-CMBX.NA – North American Commercial Mortgage-Backed Index

CDX-NAHY – North American High Yield Credit Default Swap Index

CDX-NAIG – North American Investment Grade Credit Default Swap Index

CMBS – Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

CME – Chicago Mercantile Exchange

EAFE – Europe, Australia, and Far East

ETF – Exchange Traded Fund

EURIBOR – Euro Interbank Offered Rate

H15T – U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Rate T Note Constant Maturity

INTRCONX – Inter-Continental Exchange

JSC – Joint Stock Company

LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rates

MSCI – Morgan Stanley Capital International

MTN – Medium Term Note

OAT – Obligations Assimilables du Trésor

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust

REMICs – Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits

See notes to financial statements.

 

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STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES

April 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

Assets   

Investments in securities, at value
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $7,841,429,908)

   $ 7,930,984,885  

Affiliated issuers (cost $284,756,833)

     284,756,833  

Cash

     165,785  

Cash collateral due from broker

     31,850,289  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $24,021,022)

     24,168,433  

Dividends and interest receivable

     117,680,654  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     47,076,464  

Receivable for capital stock sold and foreign
currency transactions

     32,372,063  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     23,642,212  

Receivable for newly entered credit default swaps

     19,910,953  

Unrealized appreciation of total return swaps

     3,054,641  

Upfront premiums paid on credit default swaps

     1,918,703  

Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps

     1,788,901  

Receivable for terminated variance swaps

     1,601,026  

Receivable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives

     684,739  

Unrealized appreciation on variance swaps

     302,021  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     106,961  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     8,522,065,563  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities   

Options written, at value (premiums received $15,709,440)

     10,096,008  

Swaptions written, at value (premiums received $422,537)

     316,985  

Payable for reverse repurchase agreements

     126,139,270  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     98,444,090  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     33,964,785  

Upfront premiums received on credit default swaps

     28,422,723  

Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps

     22,898,843  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     21,319,957  

Payable for terminated credit default swaps

     19,951,109  

Dividends payable

     6,154,188  

Advisory fee payable

     2,727,298  

Distribution fee payable

     1,400,145  

Cash collateral received from broker

     820,000  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     69,327  

Administrative fee payable

     17,524  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     193,146  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     372,935,398  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $     8,149,130,165  
  

 

 

 
Composition of Net Assets   

Capital stock, at par

   $ 911,103  

Additional paid-in capital

     8,153,492,387  

Distributions in excess of net investment income

     (44,244,644

Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (27,295,168

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     66,266,487  
  

 

 

 
   $ 8,149,130,165  
  

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

94    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES (continued)

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—24 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class   Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 

 

 
A   $ 1,901,383,143          213,135,340        $   8.92

 

 
B   $ 2,089,165          232,093        $ 9.00  

 

 
C   $ 1,277,230,954          141,507,512        $ 9.03  

 

 
Advisor   $   4,310,264,752          482,526,613        $ 8.93  

 

 
R   $ 89,061,300          9,986,068        $ 8.92  

 

 
K   $ 121,000,315          13,560,882        $ 8.92  

 

 
I   $ 303,153,871          33,931,427        $ 8.93  

 

 
Z   $ 144,946,665          16,223,233        $ 8.93  

 

 

 

* The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $9.32 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

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STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

Investment Income     

Interest (net of foreign taxes withheld of $176,448)

   $     229,500,156    

Dividends

    

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $27,890)

     3,549,127    

Affiliated issuers

     430,548     $     233,479,831  
  

 

 

   
Expenses     

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     17,209,077    

Distribution fee—Class A

     2,443,782    

Distribution fee—Class B

     10,974    

Distribution fee—Class C

     6,353,071    

Distribution fee—Class R

     215,020    

Distribution fee—Class K

     136,784    

Transfer agency—Class A

     790,512    

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,243    

Transfer agency—Class C

     511,252    

Transfer agency—Advisor Class

     1,547,881    

Transfer agency—Class R

     97,148    

Transfer agency—Class K

     81,919    

Transfer agency—Class I

     77,933    

Transfer agency—Class Z

     12,218    

Custodian

     215,550    

Printing

     192,336    

Registration fees

     116,326    

Audit and tax

     90,558    

Administrative

     24,251    

Legal

     20,616    

Directors’ fees

     12,951    

Miscellaneous

     89,199    
  

 

 

   

Total expenses before interest expense

     30,250,601    

Interest expense

     136,999    
  

 

 

   

Total expenses

     30,387,600    

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B)

     (214,600  
  

 

 

   

Net expenses

       30,173,000  
    

 

 

 

Net investment income

       203,306,831  
    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

96    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions      

Net realized gain (loss) on:

     

Investment transactions

      $ 13,182,495  

Swaps

        76,312,101  

Futures

        2,475,179  

Options written

        31,960,947  

Swaptions written

        7,648,821  

Foreign currency transactions

        (3,496,983

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:

     

Investments

        183,844,578  

Swaps

        (8,108,956

Futures

        (4,813,129

Options written

        3,523,599  

Swaptions written

        (44,347

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

        (21,570,365
     

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

        280,913,940  
     

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations

      $     484,220,771  
     

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    97


 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Six Months Ended
April 30, 2017
(unaudited)
    Year ended
October 31,
2016
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations     

Net investment income

   $ 203,306,831     $ 373,538,879  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

     128,082,560       (39,954,270

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     152,831,380       297,067,537  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     – 0  –      7,328  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     484,220,771       630,659,474  
Dividends to Shareholders from     

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (62,472,346     (139,212,546

Class B

     (61,125     (187,830

Class C

     (35,397,225     (78,131,802

Advisor Class

     (126,460,641     (204,670,690

Class R

     (2,581,781     (5,662,042

Class K

     (3,455,784     (7,086,782

Class I

     (9,674,525     (20,996,466

Class Z

     (4,054,635     (7,057,695
Capital Stock Transactions     

Net increase

     118,735,491       1,386,295,762  

Proceeds from regulatory settlement (see Note E)

     – 0  –      722,706  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase

     358,798,200       1,554,672,089  
Net Assets     

Beginning of period

     7,790,331,965       6,235,659,876  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income of $(44,244,644) and $(3,393,413), respectively)

   $     8,149,130,165     $     7,790,331,965  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

98    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

April 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

NOTE A

Significant Accounting Policies

AB High Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), was incorporated in the State of Maryland on December 2, 1993, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund offers Class A, Class B, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, Class I and Class Z shares. Effective October 15, 2013, the Fund commenced offering of Class Z shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class B shares are currently sold with a contingent deferred sales charge which declines from 3% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held. Effective January 31, 2009, sales of Class B shares of the Fund to new investors were suspended. Class B shares will only be issued (i) upon the exchange of Class B shares from another AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund, (ii) for purposes of dividend reinvestment, (iii) through the Fund’s Automatic Investment Program (the “Program”) for accounts that established the Program prior to January 31, 2009, and (iv) for purchases of additional shares by Class B shareholders as of January 31, 2009. The ability to establish a new Program for accounts containing Class B shares was suspended as of January 31, 2009. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares six years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Effective April 10, 2017, Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class R and Class K shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Advisor Class, Class I and Class Z shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All eight classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.

 

abfunds.com   AB HIGH INCOME FUND    |    99


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures contracts are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short-term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short-term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing

 

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models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

   

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

 

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The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which is then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.

Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.

Valuations of mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities, by pricing vendors, are based on both proprietary and industry recognized models and discounted cash flow techniques. Significant inputs to the valuation of these instruments are value of the collateral, the rates and timing of delinquencies, the rates and timing of prepayments, and default and loss expectations, which are driven in part by housing prices for residential mortgages. Significant inputs are determined based on relative value analyses, which incorporate comparisons to instruments with similar collateral and risk profiles, including relevant indices. Mortgage and asset backed securities for which management has collected current observable data through pricing services are generally categorized within Level 2. Those investments for which current observable data has not been provided are classified as Level 3.

Options are valued using market-based inputs to models, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency, where such inputs and models are available. Alternatively

 

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the values may be obtained through unobservable management determined inputs and/or management’s proprietary models. Where models are used, the selection of a particular model to value an option depends upon the contractual terms of, and specific risks inherent in, the option as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, measures of volatility and correlations of such inputs. Exchange traded options generally will be classified as Level 2. For options that do not trade on exchange but trade in liquid markets, inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. Options are classified within Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy when all of the significant inputs can be corroborated to market evidence. Otherwise such instruments are classified as Level 3.

Bank loan prices are provided by third party pricing services and consist of a composite of the quotes received by the vendor into a consensus price. Certain bank loans are classified as Level 3, as significant input used in the fair value measurement of these instruments is the market quotes that are received by the vendor and these inputs are not observable.

Other fixed income investments, including non-U.S. government and corporate debt, are generally valued using quoted market prices, if available, which are typically impacted by current interest rates, maturity dates and any perceived credit risk of the issuer. Additionally, in the absence of quoted market prices, these inputs are used by pricing vendors to derive a valuation based upon industry or proprietary models which incorporate issuer specific data with relevant yield/spread comparisons with more widely quoted bonds with similar key characteristics. Those investments for which there are observable inputs are classified as Level 2. Where the inputs are not observable, the investments are classified as Level 3.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of April 30, 2017:

 

Investments in

Securities

  Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

       

Corporates – Non-Investment Grade

  $   – 0  –    $   2,709,285,273     $   47,961,139 #    $   2,757,246,412  

Governments – Treasuries

    – 0  –      1,757,111,479       – 0  –      1,757,111,479  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    – 0  –      759,757,533       – 0  –      759,757,533  

Corporates – Investment Grade

    – 0  –      531,496,149       – 0  –      531,496,149  

Emerging Markets – Sovereigns

    – 0  –      450,495,947       – 0  –      450,495,947  

Emerging Markets – Treasuries

    – 0  –      431,869,914       – 0  –      431,869,914  

Emerging Markets – Corporate Bonds

    – 0  –      290,007,115       2,705,593       292,712,708  

 

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Investments in

Securities

  Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Bank Loans

  $ – 0  –    $ 199,555,445     $ 33,210,150 #    $ 232,765,595  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

    – 0  –      19,958,855         120,853,276       140,812,131  

Preferred Stocks

    31,447,027       62,993,461       21,359,633       115,800,121  

Inflation-Linked Securities

    – 0  –      87,227,286       12,659,462       99,886,748  

Common Stocks

    33,225,057       2,936,145       60,280,661 #      96,441,863  

Quasi-Sovereigns

    – 0  –      44,923,794       – 0  –      44,923,794  

Whole Loan Trusts

    – 0  –      – 0  –      44,107,365       44,107,365  

Local Governments – Regional Bonds

    – 0  –      42,480,875       – 0  –      42,480,875  

Asset-Backed Securities

    – 0  –      6,198,967       18,699,521       24,898,488  

Collateralized Loan Obligations

    – 0  –      – 0  –      14,784,736       14,784,736  

Local Governments – US Municipal Bonds

    – 0  –      10,542,943       – 0  –      10,542,943  

Governments – Sovereign Bonds

    – 0  –      8,891,019       – 0  –      8,891,019  

Options Purchased – Calls

    – 0  –      4,827,758       – 0  –      4,827,758  

Warrants

    1,545,601       – 0  –      1,344,081 #      2,889,682  

Options Purchased – Puts

    – 0  –      2,608,976       – 0  –      2,608,976  

Short-Term Investments:

       

Investment Companies

    284,756,833       – 0  –      – 0  –      284,756,833  

Governments – Sovereign Bonds

    – 0  –      29,087,112       – 0  –      29,087,112  

Time Deposits

    – 0  –      28,007,242       – 0  –      28,007,242  

Corporates – Investment Grade

    – 0  –      6,538,295       – 0  –      6,538,295  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

      350,974,518         7,486,801,583       377,965,617         8,215,741,718  

Other Financial Instruments*:

       

Assets

       

Futures

    2,415,012       1,069,077       – 0  –      3,484,089  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

    – 0  –      23,642,212       – 0  –      23,642,212  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      4,538,373       – 0  –      4,538,373  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

    – 0  –      4,918,070       – 0  –      4,918,070  

Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      1,788,901       – 0  –      1,788,901  

Total Return Swaps

    – 0  –      3,054,641       – 0  –      3,054,641  

Variance Swaps

    – 0  –      302,021       – 0  –      302,021  

Liabilities

       

Futures

    (6,950,216     – 0  –      – 0  –      (6,950,216 ) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

    – 0  –      (33,964,785     – 0  –      (33,964,785

Put Options Written

    – 0  –      (434,802     – 0  –      (434,802

 

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Investments in

Securities

  Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Credit Default Swaptions Written

  $ – 0  –    $ (316,985   $ – 0  –    $ (316,985

Currency Options Written

    – 0  –      (9,661,206     – 0  –      (9,661,206

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      (4,733,033     – 0  –      (4,733,033 ) 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

    – 0  –      (1,939,105     – 0  –      (1,939,105 ) 

Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      (22,898,843     – 0  –      (22,898,843
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total^

  $   346,439,314     $   7,452,166,119     $   377,965,617     $   8,176,571,050  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

# The Fund held securities with zero market value at period end.

 

* Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include options written and swaptions written which are valued at market value.

 

Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statements of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation/depreciation of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments.

 

^ There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the reporting period.

The Fund recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instrument was transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.

 

     Corporates -
Non-Investment
Grade#
    Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations
    Emerging
Markets -
Corporate
Bonds
    Bank Loans#  

Balance as of 10/31/16

  $   38,539,513     $ 30,693,761     $ 1,251,220     $ 36,930,151  

Accrued discounts/ (premiums)

    218,051       – 0  –      (119,844     82,618  

Realized gain (loss)

    11,967       – 0  –      – 0  –      16,732  

Change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation

    (7,456,111     – 0  –      (6,777,074     701,845  

Purchases

    7,926,379       – 0  –      8,351,291       4,148,375  

Sales/Paydowns

    (6,398,653     – 0  –      – 0  –      (29,500,515

Reclassification

    – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Transfers into level 3

    15,119,993       – 0  –      – 0  –      21,479,184  

Transfers out of level 3

    – 0  –        (30,693,761     – 0  –      (648,240
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of 4/30/17

  $ 47,961,139     $ – 0  –    $   2,705,593     $   33,210,150  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation from investments held as of 4/30/17**

  $ (7,305,863   $ – 0  –    $ (6,777,074   $ 1,103,647  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

     Commercial
Mortgage-

Backed
Securities
    Preferred
Stocks
    Inflation-
Linked
Securities
    Common
Stocks#
 

Balance as of 10/31/16

  $   135,006,871     $ – 0  –    $   11,964,786     $   49,234,743  

Accrued discounts/ (premiums) .

    237,233       – 0  –      13,295       – 0  – 

Realized gain (loss)

    (193,381     – 0  –      – 0  –      (1,064,372

Change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation

    955,171       6,192,628       681,381       2,193,972  

Purchases

    – 0  –      15,167,005       – 0  –      18,475,760  

Sales/Paydowns

    (15,152,618     – 0  –      – 0  –      (8,559,442

Reclassification

    – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Transfers into level 3

    – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Transfers out of level 3

    – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of 4/30/17

  $ 120,853,276     $ 21,359,633     $ 12,659,462     $ 60,280,661  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation from investments held as of 4/30/17**

  $ 306,296     $ 6,192,628     $ 681,381     $ 2,530,354  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
     Whole Loan
Trusts
    Asset-Backed
Securities
    Collateralized
Loan
Obligations
    Warrants#  

Balance as of 10/31/16

  $ 59,778,271     $ 30,569,026     $ – 0  –    $ 2,232,953  

Accrued discounts/ (premiums)

    47,815       180,212       136,747       – 0  – 

Realized gain (loss)

    (7,843,820     320,820       – 0  –      – 0  – 

Change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation

    1,135,152       (234,303     1,054,487       540,716  

Purchases

    1,266,175       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Sales/Paydowns

    (10,276,228     (1,254,482     – 0  –      – 0  – 

Reclassification

    – 0  –        (10,881,752     10,881,752       – 0  – 

Transfers into level 3

    – 0  –      – 0  –      2,711,750       – 0  – 

Transfers out of level 3

    – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      (1,429,588
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of 4/30/17

  $ 44,107,365     $   18,699,521     $   14,784,736     $ 1,344,081  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 4/30/17**

  $ (3,282,420   $ (234,303   $ 1,054,487     $ 540,715  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

     Total                    

Balance as of 10/31/16

  $ 396,201,295        

Accrued discounts/ (premiums)

    796,127        

Realized gain (loss)

    (8,752,054      

Change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation

    (1,012,136      

Purchases

    55,334,985        

Sales/Paydowns

    (71,141,938      

Reclassification

    – 0  –       

Transfers into level 3

    39,310,927        

Transfers out of level 3

    (32,771,589      
 

 

 

       

Balance as of 4/30/17

  $   377,965,617 +       
 

 

 

       

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 4/30/17**

  $ (5,190,152      
 

 

 

       

 

# The Fund held securities with zero market value during the reporting period.

 

** The unrealized appreciation/depreciation is included in net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and other financial instruments in the accompanying statement of operations.

 

+ There were de minimis transfers during the reporting period.

The following presents information about significant unobservable inputs related to the Fund’s material categories of Level 3 investments at April 30, 2017. Securities priced by third party vendors and NAV equivalent are excluded from the following table.

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

 

     Fair
Value at
4/30/2017
    Valuation
Technique
  Unobservable
Input
  Range/
Weighted
Average

Corporates – Non-Investment
Grade

 

    
$


4,927


 

 

Projected Cash
Flow

 

Terms of
Escrow

      
    
$1.80 per
$1,000 Principal

Bank Loans

  $ – 0  –    Qualitative
Assessment
    $0.00/ N/A

Common
Stocks

      
$

142,155

 
      
Market Approach
      
EBITDA*
Projection
      
$345mm/ N/A
      EBITDA*
Multiples
  13.3X/ N/A
  $ 111,055     Market Approach   EBITDA*
Projection
  $33mm/ N/A
      EBITDA*
Multiples
  4.6X-6.6X/ 5.6X
 

 

 

       
  $ 253,210        
 

 

 

       

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

     Fair
Value at
4/30/2017
    Valuation
Technique
  Unobservable
Input
  Range/
Weighted
Average

Whole Loan Trusts

      
$

8,082,900

 
      
Market
Approach
      
Underlying
NAV of the
Collateral
      
$94.91/ N/A
  $ 7,220,178     Recovery
Analysis
  Cumulative
Loss
  <20%/ N/A
  $ 6,485,168     Discounted
Cash Flow
  Cash Flow
Yield
  93.60%/ N/A
      Discount Rate   7.47%/ N/A
  $ 6,079,540     Recovery
Analysis
  Delinquency
Rate
  <4%/ N/A
  $ 3,603,466     Discounted
Cash Flow
  Cash Flow
Yield
  83.89%/ N/A
  $ 1,732,966     Recovery
Analysis
  Delinquency
Rate
  <5% / N/A
      Collateralization   1.1X / N/A
  $ 417,665     Discounted
Cash Flow
  Cash Flow
Yield
  88.20%
 

 

 

       
  $ 33,621,883        
 

 

 

       

Warrants

  $ 803,366     Option Pricing
Model
  Exercise Price   $6.64/ N/A
      Expiration Date   June, 2019/ N/A
      EV Volatility %   50%/ N/A

 

* Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization.

Generally, a change in the assumptions used in any input in isolation may be accompanied by a change in another input. Significant changes in any of the unobservable inputs may significantly impact the fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in Underlying NAV of the Collateral, Collateralization, Exercise Price, Expiration Date, EBITDA projections and EBITDA Multiple in isolation would be expected to result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. A significant increase (decrease) in Discount Rate, Cumulative Loss, Delinquency Rate, Cash Flow Yield and EV Volatility % in isolation would be expected to result in a significant lower (higher) fair value measurement.

The Committee oversees the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolios. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including Pricing Policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the Pricing Policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for

 

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fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Pricing Policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the Pricing Policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments, process at vendors, 2) daily and monthly multi-source pricing compares, reviewed and submitted to the Committee, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, foreign currency exchange contracts, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

 

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4. Taxes

It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each settled class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

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NOTE B

Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .50% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Fund may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. For the six months ended April 30, 2017, such fee amounted to $24,251.

During the year ended October 31, 2016, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund in the amount of $7,328 for trading losses incurred due to trade entry errors.

The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. The compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $976,804 for the six months ended April 30, 2017.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $105,908 from the sale of Class A shares and received $43,844, $316 and $67,604 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively, for the six months ended April 30, 2017.

The AB Fixed-Income Shares, Inc.—Government STIF Portfolio (the “Government STIF Portfolio”), prior to June 1, 2016, was offered as a cash management option to mutual funds and other institutional accounts of the Adviser, and was not available for direct purchase by members of the public. Prior to June 1, 2016, the Government STIF Portfolio paid no advisory fees but did bear its own expenses. As of June 1, 2016, the Government STIF Portfolio, which was renamed “AB Government Money Market Portfolio” (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”), has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Fund in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata

 

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share of the effective advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended April 30, 2017 such waiver amounted to $214,600. A summary of the Fund’s transactions in shares of the Government Money Market Portfolio for the six months ended April 30, 2017 is as follows:

 

Market Value
October 31, 2016
(000)

    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
April 30, 2017
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 
$     437,100     $     1,419,752     $     1,572,095     $     284,757     $     431  

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended April 30, 2017 amounted to $223,027, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, respectively, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C

Distribution Services Agreement

The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Agreement the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to both Class B and Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on Advisor Class, Class I and Class Z shares. Effective January 29, 2016, payments under the Agreement in respect of Class A shares are limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. Since the commencement of the Fund’s operations, the Distributor has incurred expenses in excess of the distribution costs reimbursed by the Fund in the amounts of $5,727,433, $16,812,441, $825,266 and $684,643 for Class B, Class C, Class R, and Class K shares, respectively. While such costs may be recovered from the Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement is in effect, the rate of the distribution and servicing fees payable under the Agreement may not be increased without a shareholder vote. In accordance with the Agreement, there is no provision for recovery of unreimbursed distribution costs incurred by the Distributor beyond the current fiscal year for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.

 

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NOTE D

Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended April 30, 2017, were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $     1,741,879,212      $     1,454,635,636  

U.S. government securities

     982,482,537        935,061,263  

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation (excluding foreign currency exchange contracts, futures, swaps, options written and swaptions written) are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 438,450,629  

Gross unrealized depreciation

         (348,895,652
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 89,554,977  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.

The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Fund, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Fund may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Fund.

 

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Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund held foreign-currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Futures

The Fund may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Fund bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Fund may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

At the time the Fund enters into a future, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount of shown as due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counter party to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Use of long futures subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amounts shown on the statement of assets and liabilities, up to the notional value of the future. Use of short futures subjects the Fund to unlimited risk of loss. Under some circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a future can vary from the previous day’s settlement price, which could effectively prevent liquidation of unfavorable positions.

 

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During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

For hedging and investment purposes, the Fund may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities, including government securities, and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. Among other things, the Fund may use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” and may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, for hedging and investment purposes.

The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund. Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.

When the Fund writes an option, the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. At April 30, 2017 the maximum payment for written put options amounted to $724,088,200. In certain circumstances maximum payout amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced assets and upfront premium received upon entering into the contract. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from options written. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium received is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium received is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium

 

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received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Fund. In writing an option, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Fund could result in the Fund selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.

The Fund may also invest in options on swap agreements, also called “swaptions”. A swaption is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based “premium”. A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return on a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.

During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund held purchased options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund held written options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund held written swaptions for hedging purposes.

During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund held purchased swaptions for hedging purposes.

For the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund had the following transactions in written options:

 

      Number of
Contracts
    Premiums
Received
 

Options written outstanding as of 10/31/16

     5,260,451,444     $ 5,416,155  

Options written

     184,561,829,568       58,193,864  

Options expired

     (60,219,925,589     (38,973,800

Options bought back

     (896,230,744     (8,926,779

Options exercised

     – 0  –      – 0  – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options written outstanding as of 4/30/17

     128,706,124,679     $ 15,709,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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For the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund had the following transactions in written swaptions:

 

      Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Received
 

Swaptions written outstanding as of 10/31/16

   $ 154,320,000     $ 810,180  

Swaptions written

     1,725,708,339       8,005,398  

Swaptions expired

     (1,084,236,339     (5,034,439

Swaptions bought back

     (715,500,000     (3,358,602

Swaptions exercised

     – 0  –      – 0  – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Swaptions written outstanding as of 4/30/17

   $ 80,292,000     $ 422,537  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

Swaps

The Fund may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates, credit risk, or currencies. The Fund may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of gaining market exposures including by making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” or in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset described below under “Total Return Swaps”. A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. The payment flows are usually netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. In addition, collateral may be pledged or received by the Fund in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Fund or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.

Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Fund, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Fund accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement

 

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of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received are recognized as cost or proceeds on the statement of assets and liabilities and are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. Amortized upfront premiums are included in net realized gain/(loss) from swaps on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swaps are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of operations.

Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are (or soon will be) subject to mandatory central clearing. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses, with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Centralized clearing will be required for additional categories of swaps on a phased-in basis based on requirements published by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

At the time the Fund enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for centrally cleared swaps is generally less than non-centrally cleared swaps, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Interest Rate Swaps:

The Fund is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Fund holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Fund may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two

 

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parties to exchange cash flows based on a notional amount. The Fund may elect to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, or, receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate on a notional amount.

In addition, the Fund may also enter into interest rate swap transactions to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or “notional”) amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).

During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Credit Default Swaps:

The Fund may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Fund, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Fund may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap agreement, the Fund receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon interest rate applied to the notional amount. If the Fund is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap contract (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation.

In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swap agreements entered into by the Fund for the same reference

 

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obligation with the same counterparty. As of April 30, 2017, the Fund had Buy Contracts outstanding with respect to the same referenced obligation and counterparty as certain Sale Contracts which may partially offset the Maximum Payout Amount in the amount of $12,770,000.

Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and no credit event occurs, it will lose the payments it made to its counterpart. If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Fund coupled with the periodic payments previously received may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a net loss to the Fund.

Implied credit spreads over Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the market’s assessment of the likelihood of default by the issuer of the referenced obligation. The implied credit spread of a particular reference entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Widening credit spreads typically represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and greater likelihood of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced entity or obligation.

During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Total Return Swaps:

The Fund may enter into total return swaps in order take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Fund is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

 

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During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund held total return swaps for non-hedging purposes.

Variance Swaps:

The Fund may enter into variance swaps to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets. Variance swaps are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on underlying asset(s) or index(es). Actual “variance” as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset(s) or index(es) (which in effect is a measure of its “volatility”) over the length of the contract term. So the parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility.

During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund held variance swaps for non-hedging purposes.

The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination.

Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Fund and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party. In the event of a default by a Master Agreements counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.

The Fund’s Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the

 

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Fund decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Fund’s counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Fund to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. For additional details, please refer to netting arrangements by counterparty tables below.

During the six months ended April 30, 2017 the Fund had entered into the following derivatives:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives
      
$

7,333,082

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives
      
$

8,889,321

Interest rate contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps
   
    
3,054,641

 
      
Unrealized depreciation on total return swaps
   
    
– 0

 – 

Foreign exchange contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts
   
    
23,642,212

 
      
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts
   
    
33,964,785

 

Foreign exchange contracts

      
Investments in securities, at value
   
    
6,237,950

 
      
Options written, at value
   
    
  9,661,206

 

Credit contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps     1,788,901     Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps     22,898,843  

Credit contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives     4,538,373   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives     4,733,033

Credit contracts

      – 0  –    Swaptions written, at value     316,985  

Equity contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on variance swaps     302,021     Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps     – 0  – 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Derivative Type

  

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Equity contracts

   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives   $ 1,069,077   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives   $ – 0  – 

Equity contracts

   Investment in securities, at value     1,198,784     Options written, at value     434,802  
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

     $   49,165,041       $   80,898,975  
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

* Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivative contracts as reported in the portfolio of investments.

 

Derivative Type

 

Location of
Gain or (Loss) on
Derivatives Within
Statement of
Operations

   Realized Gain
or (Loss) on
Derivatives
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation or
(Depreciation)
 

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain/(loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on swaps    $     9,478,354     $     4,396,213  

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain/(loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on futures      (917,495     (5,701,875

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain/(loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment transactions      3,477,986       (815,629

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain/(loss) on swaptions written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swaptions written      4,053,971       – 0  – 

Foreign exchange contracts

      
Net realized gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities
    
    
37,950,963

 
   
    
(20,880,263

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Derivative Type

 

Location of
Gain or (Loss) on
Derivatives Within
Statement of
Operations

   Realized Gain
or (Loss) on
Derivatives
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation or
(Depreciation)
 

Foreign exchange contracts

      
Net realized gain/(loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment transactions
       
$

(10,202,015

      
$

1,140,623

 

Foreign exchange contracts

      
Net realized gain/(loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on options written
    
    
28,844,323

 
   
    
1,619,674

 

Credit contracts

  Net realized gain/(loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on swaps      21,390,406       (12,349,317

Credit contracts

  Net realized gain/(loss) on swaptions written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swaptions written      3,594,850       (44,347

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain/(loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on swaps      45,443,341       (155,852

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain/(loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on futures      3,392,674       888,746  

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain/(loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment transactions      (8,341,150     (5,107,282

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain/(loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on options written      3,116,624       1,903,925  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     $     141,282,832     $     (35,105,384
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Fund’s derivative transactions during the six months ended April 30, 2017.

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 390,063,108  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 513,855,740  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 892,520,687 (a)  

Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 98,484,573  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 304,810,804  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 1,515,489,675  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 2,361,113,762  

Futures:

  

Average original value of buy contracts

   $ 363,134,024  

Average original value of sale contracts

   $ 330,318,067 (b) 

Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 176,603,048 (c)  

Total Return Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 296,092,662  

Variance Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 7,110,218  

Purchased Options Contracts:

  

Average monthly cost

   $ 8,011,019  

 

(a) Positions were open six months during the reporting period.

 

(b) Positions were open two months during the reporting period.

 

(c) Position was open one month during the reporting period.

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

All derivatives held at year end were subject to netting arrangements. The following tables present the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Fund as of April 30, 2017:

 

Counterparty

  Derivative
Assets
Subject
to a MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net
Amount of
Derivatives
Assets
 

Exchange-Traded Derivatives:

         

Citibank, N.A **

  $ 114,316     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 114,316  

Goldman Sachs & Co.**

    43,034       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      43,034  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC**

    657,592       (111,603     – 0  –      – 0  –      545,989  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $   814,942     $   (111,603   $   – 0  –    $   – 0  –    $   703,339  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty

  Derivative
Assets
Subject
to a MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net
Amount of
Derivatives
Assets
 

OTC Derivatives:

 

       

Australia & New Zealand Bank Group Ltd.

  $ 1,129,594     $ (952,262   $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 177,332  

Bank of America, N.A.

    3,522,686       (3,522,686     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Barclays Bank PLC

    1,480,162       (1,480,162     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

BNP Paribas

    2,848,505       (2,848,505     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Citibank, N.A.

    4,804,917       (4,804,917     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Credit Suisse International

    2,453,269       (2,453,269     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Deutsche Bank AG

    4,322,689       (1,490,266     – 0  –      – 0  –      2,832,423  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA/ Goldman Sachs International

    6,695,334       (6,695,334     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

HSBC Bank USA

    1,655,588       (24,729     – 0  –      – 0  –      1,630,859  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

    4,055,271       (4,055,271     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC/ Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC.

    2,463,418       – 0  –      (820,000     – 0  –      1,643,418  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    1,053,409       (1,053,409     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $   36,484,842     $   (29,380,810   $   (820,000   $   – 0  –    $   6,284,032
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

  Derivative
Liabilities
Subject
to a MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net
Amount of
Derivatives
Liabilities
 

Exchange-Traded Derivatives:

         

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC**

  $ 111,603     $ (111,603   $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ – 0  – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 111,603     $ (111,603   $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ – 0  – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTC Derivatives:

         

Australia & New Zealand Bank Group Ltd.

  $ 952,262     $ (952,262   $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ – 0  – 

Bank of America, N.A.

    4,877,818       (3,522,686     – 0  –      (459,130     896,002  

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty

  Derivative
Liabilities
Subject
to a MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net
Amount  of
Derivatives
Liabilities
 

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 3,158,921     $ (1,480,162   $ – 0  –    $ (1,678,759   $ – 0  – 

BNP Paribas

    3,304,579       (2,848,505     – 0  –      (456,074     – 0  – 

Citibank, N.A.

    20,557,732       (4,804,917     – 0  –      (4,794,615     10,958,200  

Credit Suisse International

    12,259,298       (2,453,269     – 0  –      (9,806,029     – 0  – 

Deutsche Bank AG

    1,490,266       (1,490,266     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA/ Goldman Sachs International

    36,460,321       (6,695,334     – 0  –      (29,764,987     – 0  – 

HSBC Bank USA

    24,729       (24,729     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

    6,082,634       (4,055,271     – 0  –      – 0  –      2,027,363  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    4,891,014       (1,053,409     – 0  –      – 0  –      3,837,605  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $   94,059,574     $   (29,380,810   $   – 0  –    $   (46,959,594   $   17,719,170
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to overcollateralization.

 

** Cash and securities have been posted for initial margin requirements for exchange-traded derivatives outstanding at April 30, 2017.

 

^ Net amount represents the net unrealized receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty. See Note D.3 for additional disclosure of netting arrangements regarding reverse repurchase agreements.

2. Currency Transactions

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

3. Reverse Repurchase Agreements

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase transactions (“RVP”) in accordance with the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), under which the Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. At the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will establish a segregated account with the custodian containing liquid assets having a value comparable to the repurchase price. Under the MRA and other Master Agreements, the Fund is permitted to offset payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/ or posted to the counterparty and create one single net payment due to or from the Fund in the event of a default. In the event of a default by a MRA counterparty, the Fund may be considered an unsecured creditor with respect to any excess collateral (collateral with a market value in excess of the repurchase price) held by and/or posted to the counterparty, and as such the return of such excess collateral may be delayed or denied. For the six months ended April 30, 2017, the average amount of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding was $101,788,251 and the daily weighted average interest rate was (0.79)%. During the period, the Fund received net interest payments from counterparties. At April 30, 2017, the Fund had reverse repurchase agreements outstanding in the amount of $126,139,270 as reported in the statement of assets and liabilities.

The following table presents the Fund’s RVP liabilities by counterparty net of the related collateral pledged by the Fund as of April 30, 2017:

 

Counterparty

   RVP Liabilities
Subject to a
MRA
     Securities
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net Amount of
RVP Liabilities
 

Barclays Capital, Inc.

   $ 75,796,710      $ (75,796,710   $ – 0  – 

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC.

     17,236,969        (17,236,969     – 0  – 

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.

     20,598,308        (20,598,308     – 0  – 

ING Financial Markets LLC

     3,845,587        (3,845,587     – 0  – 

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

     2,159,524        (2,159,524     – 0  – 

Jefferies & Company, Inc.

     3,810,780        (3,810,780     – 0  – 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

     2,691,392        (2,691,392     – 0  – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $     126,139,270      $     (126,139,270   $     – 0  – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Including accrued interest.

 

* The actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount reported due to overcollateralization.

4. Loan Participations and Assignments

The Fund may invest in direct debt instruments which are interests in amounts owed to lenders or lending syndicates by corporate, governmental, or other borrowers, either in the form of participations at the time the loan is originated (“Participations”) or by buying an interest in the loan in the secondary market from a financial institution or institutional

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

investor (“Assignments”). A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution (the “Lender”) that acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan as specified in the loan agreement. When investing in Participations, the Fund generally has no right to enforce compliance with the terms of the loan agreement with the borrower. In addition, when investing in Participations, the Fund has the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the Lender and only upon receipt of payments by the Lender from the borrower. As a result, the Fund may be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the Lender. When the Fund purchases Assignments from Lenders, it will typically acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. These loans may include participations in “bridge loans”, which are loans taken out by borrowers for a short period (typically less than six months) pending arrangement of more permanent financing through, for example, the issuance of bonds, frequently high-yield bonds issued for the purpose of acquisitions. The Fund may also participate in unfunded loan commitments, which are contractual obligations for investing in future Participations, and may receive a commitment fee based on the amount of the commitment. Under these arrangements, the Fund may receive a fixed rate commitment fee and, if and to the extent the borrower borrows under the facility, the Fund may receive an additional funding fee.

Unfunded loan commitments and funded loans are marked to market daily.

As of April 30, 2017, the Fund had the following unfunded loan commitment which could be extended at the option of the borrower pursuant to the following loan agreement:

 

Borrower    Unfunded Loan
Commitment

Flexpath WH I LLC, Series B3, 9/1/17

   $    1,069,909

As of April 30, 2017, the Fund had no bridge loan commitments outstanding.

During the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Fund received no commitment fees or additional funding fees.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE E

Capital Stock

Each class consists of 3,000,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Six Months Ended
April 30, 2017
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
October 31,
2016
          Six Months Ended
April 30, 2017
(unaudited)
   

Year Ended
October 31,

2016

       
  

 

 

   
Class A             

Shares sold

     36,684,278       92,509,470       $ 320,355,341     $ 764,584,475    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     4,467,091       10,267,961         39,030,928       84,864,368    

 

   

Shares converted from Class B

     37,834       135,615         330,094       1,123,802    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (66,432,217     (106,865,022       (579,061,501     (882,893,379  

 

   

Net decrease

     (25,243,014     (3,951,976     $ (219,345,138   $ (32,320,734  

 

   
            
Class B             

Shares sold

     11,508       26,545       $ 101,198     $ 221,766    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     6,247       19,289         55,037       160,177    

 

   

Shares converted to Class A

     (37,490     (134,395       (330,094     (1,123,801  

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (18,298     (55,551       (161,951     (467,337  

 

   

Net decrease

     (38,033     (144,112     $ (335,810   $ (1,209,195  

 

   
            
Class C             

Shares sold

     9,697,718       30,428,390       $ 85,666,569     $ 255,668,922    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     2,357,477       5,584,459         20,840,298       46,633,880    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (18,963,618     (36,888,329       (167,498,648     (307,146,600  

 

   

Net decrease

     (6,908,423     (875,480     $ (60,991,781   $ (4,843,798  

 

   
            
Advisor Class             

Shares sold

     153,356,378       289,929,303       $ 1,342,438,966     $ 2,399,740,979    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     8,199,983       14,636,190         71,819,164       121,956,110    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (121,162,214     (140,062,836       (1,053,303,801     (1,156,766,613  

 

   

Net increase

     40,394,147       164,502,657       $ 360,954,329     $ 1,364,930,476    

 

   
            
Class R             

Shares sold

     1,384,775       3,805,845       $ 12,092,807     $ 31,214,630    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     293,670       674,021         2,566,047       5,565,632    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (1,648,017     (3,574,022       (14,386,740     (29,857,922  

 

   

Net increase

     30,428       905,844       $ 272,114     $ 6,922,340    

 

   

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Six Months Ended
April 30, 2017
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
October 31,
2016
          Six Months Ended
April 30, 2017
(unaudited)
   

Year Ended
October 31,

2016

       
  

 

 

   
Class K             

Shares sold

     2,277,847       2,492,200       $ 19,993,803     $ 20,729,172    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     395,072       855,500         3,454,203       7,069,521    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (1,465,722     (2,206,560       (12,738,766     (18,374,792  

 

   

Net increase

     1,207,197       1,141,140       $ 10,709,240     $ 9,423,901    

 

   
            
Class I             

Shares sold

     2,999,171       9,768,594       $ 26,245,906     $ 79,219,657    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     1,029,394       2,315,904         9,013,474       19,168,128    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (4,128,577     (10,681,656       (35,928,936     (88,488,832  

 

   

Net increase (decrease)

     (100,012     1,402,842       $ (669,556   $ 9,898,953    

 

   
            
Class Z             

Shares sold

     3,986,654       9,472,128       $ 35,093,508     $ 79,652,387    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     462,575       850,531         4,054,144       7,041,249    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (1,257,865     (6,447,045       (11,005,559     (53,199,817  

 

   

Net increase

     3,191,364       3,875,614       $ 28,142,093     $ 33,493,819    

 

   

For the year ended October 31, 2016, the Fund received proceeds of $722,706 in connection with a residual distribution from the Alliance Fair Fund relating to regulatory settlements in 2004. This amount is presented in the Fund’s statement of changes in net assets.

NOTE F

Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund

Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivative contract, will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. Credit risk is greater for medium quality and lower-rated securities. Lower-rated debt securities and similar unrated securities (commonly

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

known as “junk bonds”) have speculative elements or are predominantly speculative risks.

Below Investment Grade Securities Risk—Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.

Duration Risk—Duration is a measure that relates the expected price volatility of a fixed-income security to changes in interest rates. The duration of a fixed-income security may be shorter than or equal to full maturity of a fixed-income security. Fixed-income securities with longer durations have more risk and will decrease in price as interest rates rise. For example, a fixed-income security with a duration of three years will decrease in value by approximately 3% if interest rates increase by 1%.

Inflation Risk—This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater if the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with longer maturities.

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Emerging Market Risk—Investments in emerging market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid, and because these investments may be subject to increased economic, political, regulatory or other uncertainties.

Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

Leverage Risk—When the Fund borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments. The Fund may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures contracts or by borrowing

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Fund, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Derivatives Risk—The Fund may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Fund Shares. Over recent years, liquidity risk has also increased because the capacity of dealers in the secondary market for fixed-income securities to make markets in these securities has decreased, even as the overall bond market has grown significantly, due to, among other things, structural changes, additional regulatory requirements and capital and risk restraints that have led to reduced inventories. Liquidity risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE G

Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing if necessary, subject to certain restrictions, in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended April 30, 2017.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE H

Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid for the year ending October 31, 2017 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

     2016     2015  

Distributions paid from:

    

Ordinary income

   $ 463,005,853     $ 474,509,861  

Long-term capital gains

     – 0  –      54,743,821  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $     463,005,853     $     529,253,682  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of October 31, 2016, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 35,013,890  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (148,861,647 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     (99,402,440 )(b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $     (213,250,197 )(c) 
  

 

 

 

 

(a) As of October 31, 2016, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $148,861,647.

 

(b) The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the difference between book and tax amortization methods for premium, the tax treatment of swaps, passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) and partnerships, and the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments.

 

(c) The difference between book-basis and tax-basis components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) is attributable primarily to the tax treatment of interest on defaulted securities and dividends payable.

For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of October 31, 2016, the Fund had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $34,048,746 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $114,812,901 which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

NOTE I

Other

In October 2016, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted new rules and amended existing rules (together, “final rules”) intended to modernize the reporting and disclosure of information by registered investment companies. In part, the final rules amend Regulation S-X and require standardized, enhanced disclosure about derivatives in investment company financial statements, as well as other amendments. The compliance date for the amendments to Regulation S-X is August 1, 2017.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Management is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the amendments to Regulation S-X will have on the financial statements and related disclosures.

NOTE J

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (the “ASU”) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

NOTE K

Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class A  
    Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2017
(unaudited)
    Year Ended October 31,  
      2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.65       $  8.50       $  9.40       $  9.53       $  9.38       $  8.73  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income(a)

    .23 (b)      .48 (b)      .51       .55       .60       .56  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .32       .27       (.69     (.03     .20       .70  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .55       .75       (.18     .52       .80       1.26  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (.28     (.60     (.64     (.60     (.65     (.61

Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.08     (.05     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.28     (.60     (.72     (.65     (.65     (.61
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.92       $  8.65       $  8.50       $  9.40       $  9.53       $  9.38  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    6.43  %*      9.41  %*      (1.98 )%      5.62  %      8.78  %      15.03  %* 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $1,901,383       $2,061,177       $2,059,111       $2,320,748       $2,587,763       $2,464,634  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    .80  %(g)      .84  %      .90  %      .89  %      .90  %      .91  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    .80  %(g)      .85  %      .90  %      .89  %      .90  %      .91  % 

Net investment income

    5.30  %(b)(g)      5.75  %(b)      5.77  %      5.80  %      6.25  %      6.22  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    32  %      45  %      53  %      38  %      38  %      42  % 

See footnote summary on pages 144-145.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class B  
    Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2017
(unaudited)
    Year Ended October 31,  
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.72       $  8.57       $  9.49       $  9.62       $  9.46       $  8.80  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income(a)

    .20 (b)      .42 (b)      .45       .48       .53       .50  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .32       .26       (.71     (.03     .21       .71  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .52       .68       (.26     .45       .74       1.21  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (.24     (.53     (.58     (.53     (.58     (.55

Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.08     (.05     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.24     (.53     (.66     (.58     (.58     (.55
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  9.00       $  8.72       $  8.57       $  9.49       $  9.62       $  9.46  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    6.08  %*      8.48  %*      (2.89 )%      4.82  %      8.06  %      14.26  %* 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $2,089       $2,357       $3,551       $7,526       $13,008       $19,591  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    1.58  %(g)      1.63  %      1.63  %      1.60  %      1.61  %      1.64  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    1.58  %(g)      1.63  %      1.63  %      1.60  %      1.61  %      1.64  % 

Net investment income

    4.47  %(b)(g)      5.01  %(b)      4.95  %      5.05  %      5.50  %      5.51  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    32  %      45  %      53  %      38  %      38  %      42  % 

See footnote summary on pages 144-145.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class C  
    Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2017
(unaudited)
    Year Ended October 31,  
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.75       $  8.60       $  9.51       $  9.64       $  9.48       $  8.83  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income(a)

    .20 (b)      .42 (b)      .45       .48       .53       .49  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .32       .27       (.70     (.03     .21       .71  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .52       .69       (.25     .45       .74       1.20  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (.24     (.54     (.58     (.53     (.58     (.55

Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.08     (.05     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.24     (.54     (.66     (.58     (.58     (.55
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  9.03       $  8.75       $  8.60       $  9.51       $  9.64       $  9.48  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    6.08  %*      8.50  %*      (2.74 )%      4.82  %      8.04  %      14.05  %* 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $1,277,231       $1,298,312       $1,283,192       $1,504,398       $1,379,727       $1,213,954  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    1.54  %(g)      1.58  %      1.60  %      1.58  %      1.60  %      1.61  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    1.55  %(g)      1.58  %      1.60  %      1.58  %      1.60  %      1.61  % 

Net investment income

    4.49  %(b)(g)      4.94  %(b)      5.00  %      5.03  %      5.48  %      5.42  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    32  %      45  %      53  %      38  %      38  %      42  % 

See footnote summary on pages 144-145.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Advisor Class  
    Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2017
(unaudited)
    Year Ended October 31,  
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.66       $  8.51       $  9.42       $  9.55       $  9.39       $  8.74  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income(a)

    .24 (b)      .49 (b)      .54       .58       .62       .58  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .32       .28       (.70     (.03     .22       .71  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .56       .77       (.16     .55       .84       1.29  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (.29     (.62     (.67     (.63     (.68     (.64

Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.08     (.05     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.29     (.62     (.75     (.68     (.68     (.64
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.93       $  8.66       $  8.51       $  9.42       $  9.55       $  9.39  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    6.55  %*      9.69  %*      (1.78 )%      5.93  %      9.23  %      15.37  %* 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $4,310,265       $3,828,042       $2,362,066       $2,473,475       $1,754,585       $1,346,510  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    .55  %(g)      .58  %      .60  %      .58  %      .61  %      .60  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    .55  %(g)      .58  %      .60  %      .58  %      .61  %      .60  % 

Net investment income

    5.54  %(b)(g)      5.87  %(b)      6.05  %      6.06  %      6.54  %      6.46  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    32  %      45  %      53  %      38  %      38  %      42  % 

See footnote summary on pages 144-145.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class R  
    Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2017
(unaudited)
    Year Ended October 31,  
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.64       $  8.49       $  9.40       $  9.53       $  9.38       $  8.73  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income(a)

    .21 (b)      .45 (b)      .48       .52       .56       .53  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .33       .27       (.70     (.03     .21       .71  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .54       .72       (.22     .49       .77       1.24  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (.26     (.57     (.61     (.57     (.62     (.59

Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.08     (.05     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.26     (.57     (.69     (.62     (.62     (.59
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.92       $  8.64       $  8.49       $  9.40       $  9.53       $  9.38  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    6.35  %*      9.01  %*      (2.44 )%      5.27  %      8.42  %      14.66  %* 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $89,061       $86,059       $76,876       $77,706       $65,429       $46,615  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    1.19  %(g)      1.22  %      1.27  %      1.23  %      1.25  %      1.24  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    1.20  %(g)      1.22  %      1.27  %      1.23  %      1.25  %      1.26  % 

Net investment income

    4.92  %(b)(g)      5.39  %(b)      5.41  %      5.46  %      5.92  %      5.87  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    32  %      45  %      53  %      38  %      38  %      42  % 

See footnote summary on pages 144-145.

 

140    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class K  
    Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2017
(unaudited)
    Year Ended October 31,  
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.65       $  8.50       $  9.41       $  9.54       $  9.38       $  8.73  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income(a)

    .23 (b)      .48 (b)      .51       .55       .60       .55 (b) 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .31       .27       (.70     (.03     .22       .71  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .54       .75       (.19     .52       .82       1.26  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (.27     (.60     (.64     (.60     (.66     (.61

Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.08     (.05     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.27     (.60     (.72     (.65     (.66     (.61
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.92       $  8.65       $  8.50       $  9.41       $  9.54       $  9.38  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    6.39  %*      9.41  %*      (2.12 )%      5.63  %      8.93  %      15.02  %* 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $121,000       $106,841       $95,294       $83,634       $52,132       $19,161  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    .87  %(g)      .85  %      .94  %      .88  %      .89  %      .91  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    .87  %(g)      .85  %      .94  %      .88  %      .89  %      .93  % 

Net investment income

    5.24  %(b)(g)      5.75  %(b)      5.74  %      5.79  %      6.28  %      6.09  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    32  %      45  %      53  %      38  %      38  %      42  % 

See footnote summary on pages 144-145.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class I  
    Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2017
(unaudited)
    Year Ended October 31,  
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.66       $  8.51       $  9.42       $  9.55       $  9.39       $  8.74  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income(a)

    .24 (b)      .50 (b)      .54       .58       .63       .59  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .32       .28       (.70     (.03     .22       .71  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .56       .78       (.16     .55       .85       1.30  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (.29     (.63     (.67     (.63     (.69     (.65

Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.08     (.05     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.29     (.63     (.75     (.68     (.69     (.65
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.93       $  8.66       $  8.51       $  9.42       $  9.55       $  9.39  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    6.57  %*      9.74  %*      (1.74 )%      5.97  %      9.30  %      15.42  %* 

Ratios/Supplemental
Data

           

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

    $303,154       $294,693       $277,654       $114,598       $104,128       $66,608  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    .52  %(g)      .53  %      .54  %      .54  %      .53  %      .56  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    .53  %(g)      .53  %      .54  %      .54  %      .53  %      .56  % 

Net investment income

    5.58  %(b)(g)      6.06  %(b)      6.11  %      6.08  %      6.61  %      6.55  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    32  %      45      53  %      38  %      38  %      42  % 

 

See footnote summary on pages 144-145.

 

142    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class Z  
    Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2017
(unaudited)
    Year Ended October 31,     October 15,
2013(h) to
October 31,
2013
 
      2016     2015     2014    
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.66       $  8.51       $  9.42       $  9.55       $  9.43  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income (loss)(a)

    .24 (b)      .50 (b)      .55       .58       (.02

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .32       .28       (.71     (.03     .17  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    – 0  –      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .56       .78       (.16     .55       .15  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.29     (.63     (.67     (.63     (.03

Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.08     (.05     – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.29     (.63     (.75     (.68     (.03
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.93       $  8.66       $  8.51       $  9.42       $  9.55  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    6.58  %*      9.76  %*      (1.72 )%      6.00  %      1.59  % 

Ratios/Supplemental
Data

         

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

    $144,947       $112,852       $77,916       $47,059       $10  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    .49  %(g)      .51  %      .53  %      .52  %      .56  %(g) 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

    .49  %(g)      .51  %      .53  %      .52  %      .56  %(g) 

Net investment income (loss)

    5.61  %(b)(g)      6.07  %(b)      6.15  %      6.13  %      (3.74 )%(g) 

Portfolio turnover rate

    32  %      45  %      53  %      38  %      38  % 

See footnote summary on pages 144-145.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

 

(a) Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b) Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c) Amount is less than $0.005.

 

(d) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge is not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total investment return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(e) In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses but bears proportionate shares of the acquired fund fees and expenses (i.e. operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the six months ended April 30, 2017, such waiver amounted to 0.01% annualized for the Fund.

 

(f) The expense ratios presented below exclude interest expense:

 

    

Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2017

(unaudited)

    Year Ended October 31,  
       2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
  

 

 

 

Class A

            

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     .79     .84     .88     .88     .90     .90

Before waivers/reimbursements

     .80     .85     .88     .88     .90     .90

Class B

            

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     1.57     1.63     1.61     1.60     1.61     1.64

Before waivers/reimbursements

     1.58     1.63     1.61     1.60     1.61     1.64

Class C

            

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     1.54     1.58     1.58     1.58     1.60     1.60

Before waivers/reimbursements

     1.55     1.58     1.58     1.58     1.60     1.60

Advisor Class

            

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     .54     .58     .58     .58     .60     .60

Before waivers/reimbursements

     .55     .58     .58     .58     .60     .60

Class R

            

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     1.19     1.22     1.25     1.23     1.25     1.24

Before waivers/reimbursements

     1.20     1.22     1.25     1.23     1.25     1.26

Class K

            

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     .86     .85     .92     .88     .89     .91

Before waivers/reimbursements

     .87     .85     .92     .88     .89     .93

Class I

            

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     .52     .53     .52     .54     .53     .56

Before waivers/reimbursements

     .52     .53     .52     .54     .53     .56

 

    

Six Months
Ended
April 30,

2017
(unaudited)

    Year Ended October 31,    

October 15,
2013(h) to
October 31,

2013

 
       2016     2015     2014    
  

 

 

 

Class Z

          

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     .48     .51     .51     .51     .56 %(g) 

Before waivers/reimbursements

     .49     .51     .51     .51     .56 %(g) 

 

144    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

 

(g) Annualized.

 

(h) Commencement of distribution.

 

Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from third party regulatory settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the year ended October 31, 2013 by 0.01%.

 

* Includes the impact of proceeds received, and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the performance of each share class, for the six months ended April 30, 2017 and the year ended October 31, 2012 by 0.01% and 0.06%, respectively.

 

   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund in connection with a residual distribution relating to regulatory settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the year ended October 31, 2016 by 0.01%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1), Chairman

John H. Dobkin(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

William H. Foulk, Jr.(1)

D. James Guzy(1)

  

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Robert M. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer

Garry L. Moody(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Earl D. Weiner(1)

OFFICERS

Philip L. Kirstein,

Senior Vice President and Independent Compliance Officer

Paul J. DeNoon(2), Vice President

Gershon M. Distenfeld(2), Vice President

Douglas J. Peebles(2), Vice President

  

Matthew S. Sheridan(2) , Vice President

Emilie D. Wrapp, Secretary

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Stephen M. Woetzel, Controller

Vincent S. Noto, Chief Compliance Officer

 

Principal Underwriter

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

 

Custodian and Accounting Agent

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

50 Post Office Square

Boston, MA 02110

 

Legal Counsel

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

  

Transfer Agent

AllianceBernstein Investor

Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278-6003

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP

5 Times Square

New York, NY 10036

 

1 Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

2 The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Global Fixed Income Team and Global Credit Investment Team. Messrs. DeNoon, Distenfeld, Peebles and Sheridan are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

146    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB High Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser at a meeting held on November 1-3, 2016 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.

The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The

 

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material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency and distribution services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

 

148    |    AB HIGH INCOME FUND   abfunds.com


Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended July 31, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may,

 

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in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the information included the pro forma expense ratio to reflect a reduction in the 12b-1 fee effective February 1, 2016. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s pro forma expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints and that the Fund’s net assets were higher than the breakpoint levels. Accordingly, the Fund’s current effective advisory fee rate reflected a reduction due to the breakpoints and would be further reduced to the extent the net assets of the Fund increase. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at

 

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which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s breakpoint arrangements were acceptable and provide a means for sharing of any economies of scale.

 

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This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements

 

 

AB FAMILY OF FUNDS

 

US EQUITY

US CORE

Core Opportunities Fund

Select US Equity Portfolio

US GROWTH

Concentrated Growth Fund

Discovery Growth Fund

Growth Fund

Large Cap Growth Fund

Small Cap Growth Portfolio

US VALUE

Discovery Value Fund

Equity Income Fund

Relative Value Fund1

Small Cap Value Portfolio

Value Fund

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL CORE

Global Core Equity Portfolio

International Portfolio

International Strategic Core Portfolio

Sustainable Global Thematic Fund1

Tax-Managed International Portfolio

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL GROWTH

Concentrated International Growth Portfolio

International Growth Fund

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL VALUE

Asia ex-Japan Equity Portfolio

International Value Fund

FIXED INCOME

MUNICIPAL

High Income Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio

Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy

Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio

National Portfolio

Arizona Portfolio

California Portfolio

Massachusetts Portfolio

Minnesota Portfolio

New Jersey Portfolio

New York Portfolio

Ohio Portfolio

Pennsylvania Portfolio

Virginia Portfolio

TAXABLE

Bond Inflation Strategy

Global Bond Fund

High Income Fund

High Yield Portfolio

Income Fund

Intermediate Bond Portfolio

Limited Duration High Income Portfolio

Short Duration Portfolio

ALTERNATIVES

All Market Real Return Portfolio

Credit Long/Short Portfolio

Global Real Estate Investment Fund

Select US Long/Short Portfolio

Unconstrained Bond Fund

MULTI-ASSET

All Market Income Portfolio

All Market Total Return Portfolio1

Conservative Wealth Strategy

Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio

Global Risk Allocation Fund

Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio1

Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Wealth Appreciation Strategy

TARGET-DATE

Multi-Manager Select Retirement Allocation Fund

Multi-Manager Select 2010 Fund

Multi-Manager Select 2015 Fund

Multi-Manager Select 2020 Fund

Multi-Manager Select 2025 Fund

Multi-Manager Select 2030 Fund

Multi-Manager Select 2035 Fund

Multi-Manager Select 2040 Fund

Multi-Manager Select 2045 Fund

Multi-Manager Select 2050 Fund

Multi-Manager Select 2055 Fund

CLOSED-END FUNDS

Alliance California Municipal Income Fund

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund

 

We also offer Government Exchange Reserves, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. An investment in Government Exchange Reserves is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

1 Prior to November 1, 2016, Sustainable Global Thematic Fund was named Global Thematic Growth Fund; prior to January 9, 2017, Relative Value Fund was named Growth & Income Fund; prior to April 17, 2017, Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio was named Tax-Managed Balanced Wealth Strategy; prior to April 24, 2017, All Market Total Return Portfolio was named Balanced Wealth Strategy.

 

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LOGO

AB HIGH INCOME FUND

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

800 221 5672

 

HI-0152-0417                 LOGO


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

Please see Schedule of Investments contained in the Report to Shareholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board of Directors since the Fund last provided disclosure in response to this item.


ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective at the reasonable assurance level based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:

 

EXHIBIT NO.

 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT

12 (b) (1)   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
12 (b) (2)   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
12 (c)   Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant): AB High Income Fund, Inc.
By:   /s/ Robert M. Keith
 

Robert M. Keith

President

Date: June 26, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:   /s/ Robert M. Keith
 

Robert M. Keith

President

Date: June 26, 2017

 

By:   /s/ Joseph J. Mantineo
 

Joseph J. Mantineo

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Date: June 26, 2017